By Dorit Goikhman
Founding Attorney
Founding Attorney
What makes a great mediator
The mediator you choose will drastically affect your mediation experience. In addition to training, great reviews, and expertise, here are a few traits to look for in a mediator.
- Compassionate Listeners. Great mediators are skilled in making all sides feel heard. Mediators understand that there are many equally valid interpretations of. a given event or circumstance, and are able to listen without judgment.
- Quick Thinkers. Because emotions are high, mediations can escalate out of control in a matter of seconds. Great mediators are quick thinkers who pay close attention to the values of the parties in order to apply appropriate de-escalation techniques as appropriate.
- Knowledgeable of the Subject Matter. A great mediator should be knowledgeable when it comes to the issue at hand. This often comes from years of industry or legal experience. Expertise allows the mediator to speak the language of the disputants, understand related shorthand, and craft enforceable agreements with a full understanding of the potential consequences of those agreements.
- Open Minded. A great mediator should be open minded for two reasons. First, they should be as neutral as possible, without making personal judgments about the parties. Second, open mindedness and creativity allow the mediator to assist the parties in crafting unique and fully customized agreements suitable to all parties.
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