Today we talk about It’s Time for Mediation, a book by Dana Barbu, published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, Dana Barbu, to get to know her better, if there was a particular moment that led her to the writing of her book It’s Time for Mediation, as well as how she briefly summarises the key points of mediation.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Is there a particular moment in your life that led you to the writing of your book? What was that?
The period in which I seriously thought to write about mediation was that of the Covid pandemic when the courts have undergone changes in the working schedule, which had led to a significant increase in the time it took to resolve disputes. It was then when I felt that it was necessary to show people that they had at hand a means of solving the conflicts according to these times characterized by speed, online communication, ensuring a satisfactory level of comfort and discretion. Through mediation, conflicts can be resolved much faster than in court. Mediation can also be done online, the parties involved having the comfort of being wherever they want. In addition, mediation ensures the confidentiality of what is discussed in the presence of the mediator. What convinced me, however, and actually started me to write, was the beginning of the war between Ukraine and Russia. The certainty that nowadays people can take a conflict to the level of a war made me understand that there is an acute need to explain and develop alternative methods of conflict resolution, more precisely mediation. The times we live in are extremely unstable, which leads to fears that amplify the stress level. Stressed people are extremely irritable and easily cause conflicts. It is a time that can be extremely dangerous for people. At the same time, if we use the right methods, it can be a moment of growth for humanity. Among other things, there is definitely a time for mediation.
- What characteristics your audience should have to appreciate your book?
This book is for those who value their time and for whom quality of life matters. If a trial can last for years, a mediation can be resolved even in a day. Therefore, whoever wants to allocate time for what is important in life and for what brings development and satisfaction, mediation is the perfect option in order not to waste precious time resolving a dispute. This book is also for those who like to establish their own schedule. In court, the deadlines are set by the judge and obviously the trials take place at the court. In mediation, on the other hand, all meetings are set according to the parties’ schedule. Moreover, the venue is established together by the parties and the mediator, and the mediation can also take place online, which means that the mediation is not tied to a specific place. The book is also for those who like to have the power of decision. In court, you have to submit to the final decision of a judge, whether it is in your favour or not. In mediation, the solution can only be one that the parties agree on. After all, the parties are the ones who reach the final solution, always being in control. In conclusion, the book is for those with an innovative spirit, as well as for the pragmatic ones. But, above all, this book is for peace lovers.
- If you had to summarise in 3 points the importance of Mediation, what would they be?
Mediation has the gift of preserving relationships. Conflicts are of different intensities. Those of low intensity are usually resolved by those involved or remain unresolved. Extremely strong conflicts are suitable for the court of law. Most conflicts, however, are of medium intensity and the sad thing is that most of them end up in court where they do not have the right solution. It’s like sawing off your tonsils for the flu. Medium intensity conflicts are those in which relationships are important and with a suitable approach, the conflict is resolved and ultimately the relationship is saved. That is the magic of mediation. Mediation helps develop emotional intelligence. I am convinced that as we evolve spiritually and emotionally, mediation will become indispensable in resolving conflicts. In mediation, you get to understand the other’s perspective. This can only be achieved in the presence of people with a certain level of emotional intelligence. Last but not least, mediation means commitment: making a decision that you will respect. In mediation, the parties are the ones who reach the solution. They therefore assume this active search, as well as accepting a variant of closing the conflict. In court, the parties are often not even involved. The lawyers are the ones who take control. The parties become spectators in their own case. Mediation is a procedure for those involved and committed. A society with a high number of mediations indicates a population educated in the spirit of inner power, emotional intelligence and empathy.
- How would you describe your writing style?
I write with love and with the desire to make myself easily understood. I want my readers to come from all social and professional backgrounds and that’s why I aim to have a writing style that conveys information clearly and concisely. With this book I wanted to create a bridge between those who do not know much about mediation and the world of mediation. Conflicts are inevitable in everyone’s life. Mediation is an opportunity that everyone who wants to solve a conflict should use. Stars, such as the singer Adele or the actors Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, have turned to mediation. In this book, I considered it appropriate to put together information about mediation accompanied by examples from reality precisely with the idea of making it as easy as possible to understand the advantages of this alternative dispute resolution process. I structured the book in two parts. The first brings objective information about conflict, mediation and the mediator, while the second is intended to support the reader with more specific situations, having a question-and-answer section, but also with a section that summarizes the essential information regarding mediation. At the end, the reader will find my own impressions about the need for mediation in these times that we all live in. In conclusion, I would describe my writing style as simple, structured and practical.
- Are you planning to write more books? Can you tell us more about it?
Yes, I already have some ideas. I will not go into details, as I don’t have anything clearly established yet, but I would find it interesting to analyze how mediation looks in the states that use it constantly compared to the states where the field of mediation is not developed yet. From official statistics to personal opinions of those involved in mediation. Also, how judges and lawyers see the emergence of mediation and how they manage to collaborate for the final good of the clients. On the other hand, I find it equally interesting to bring to the fore various mediation cases that seemed unsolvable and how, with skill and professionalism, the mediator managed to bring the parties to find a win-win solution. There are ideas. I would like it, however, for the readers to send me their own opinions and curiosities, helping me to choose an idea for the next book.
Europe Books thanks the author, Dana Barbu, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book It’s Time for Mediation. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book allow you to learn about and explore the benefits of mediation for both large and smaller conflicts; as the author also says “mediation is the perfect solution to not waste precious time in resolving a dispute” and I also add, to live in peace!
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!