An exchange of ideas

1. What makes a good
Mediator
Linda Kochanski 27 August 2015

2. Questions to be considered…
 Are good mediators ‘born’ or ‘created’?
 What are the qualities of a good mediator?
 Do different mediations require different mediator’s
qualities

3. The ‘nature’ or ‘nurture’ question
Need to consider this …particularly as a trainer and
assessor ….do people need basic characteristics to become
a mediator?
Many people want to become mediators …because they are
problem solvers…but this is not necessarily make for the
best mediator

4. Qualities of a good mediator
 Research has indicated a
variety of
responses..from 5
principal qualities to 212
specific qualities..what
does that say?
 Question for you…
what do you think are
the qualities of a good
mediator.

5. Qualities of a good mediator
 Acceptance
 Role
 Parties
 Situation
 Empathy

6. Qualities of a good mediator
 Engagement
 Rapport building
 Patience
 Credibility
 Impartial in approach

7. Qualities of a good mediator
 Intuition
 Curiosity
 Able to ‘juggle’
 Artistry
 Adaptability

8. Qualities of a good mediator
 Acquisition
 Knowledge
 Skills
 Language
 Tenacity

10. How do you feel about the
qualities?

11. Do qualities connect with certain
types of mediation?
 Do you associate different mediator qualities with
different mediations?
 Qualities apply but are called upon differently?

12. What makes a good
mediator…some opinions
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etbeGtAWFNU