By Derek Sarluis
While Mediators must be excellent listeners and communicators while remaining neutral, other skills must be possessed and effectively employed.

  • Knowledge of the applicable law:
    Allows the Mediator to use strengths and weaknesses of the case to influence parties
  • Credibility:
    The Mediator must gain the respect of the parties
  • Tenacity:
    Keeping the parties talking even when it appears an impasse may have been reached
  • Creativity:
    Stepping outside of the box and knowing when to do so
  • Persuasion:
    Shuttling offers back and forth accomplishes little
    Persuasion while remaining neutral is the key
  • Intuition:
    Determine the actual interests of the parties rather than focusing on the legal positioning
  • Get to know the room:
    One of the parties may be the dominant force
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