Tuesday, May 21, 2013

The Elusive Goal of Rapport

The French word rapporter entered the English language as rapport in the 1660's.  Rapporter means to “fetch”, “yield” or “bring back”.  Rapport, on the other hand, is defined as “a sympathetic or harmonious relationship or state of mutual understanding”.  

Mediation seeks to replace strife with rapport.  Restoration of the relationship between the parties to the greatest extent possible is its primary goal.  When rapport is created, communication flourishes and mutually acceptable solutions are found to common problems.

As a mediator, I make it a priority to ensure that each party fully considers and understands the other party's position and motivation.  Attempting to see a dispute from the other side's point of view often leads to the establishment of rapport.  Concessions and settlements are then much more likely to occur.