Qualities of a Good Mediator

Successful mediators are caring and non-judgemental, even-handed and impartial, patient yet persistent, optimistic, trustworthy, creative and pragmatic.

They combine warmth and people skills with pragmatic common sense. The qualities I bring to mediation include:

• Trustworthy: when people attend a mediation session, they need to believe that the mediator will keep all discussions confidential and use any information they receive to reach a mutually acceptable resolution to the situation. If the mediator’s manner reflects sincerity, strength, and fairness, it encourages both sides to be more cooperative and receptive to the mediation process.
• Impartial: when it comes to successful mediation, impartiality is as important as approachability. To be effective, a mediator must be able to behave fairly and neutrally, control their feelings and not invest emotionally in the outcome of the proceedings. That way they are better able to create, identify, and take advantage of opportunities that help both sides realise their goals.
• Approachable: good mediators are seen as friendly, empathetic, and respectful. They listen carefully, appreciate the emotions and needs that underlie each conversation, and come across as genuinely concerned with the well-being of everyone involved. When they acknowledge feelings, display warmth and an appropriate sense of humour, and convey a sense of optimism, it sets the scene for a successful mediation.
• Astute and perceptive: parties to a dispute want mediators who can quickly grasp a situation, understand its complexities and dynamics, and provide a clearer understanding of options by analysing the issues and identifying risk. This level of perceptiveness enables more creative problem solving and increases the chances of an outcome that both sides find acceptable.