When looking for a good mediator there are a few crucial matters to consider. A mediator needs to have honesty, experience, familiarity with the subject matter, training, a likable demeanor, self-control, and perseverance. Let's look at the "hows" and "whys" of each of these crucial mediator traits.
Training- Before hiring a mediator find out how much education s/he has in mediation.
Experience- As with all disciplines there is a lot of refinement and learning which comes with experience, and a mediator who has seen only a few meditations cannot be compared to one who has seen hundreds.
Honesty- A mediator needs to have the integrity to make sure that both parties are getting a fair deal. If a mediator is not completely honest, one party could end up getting the short end of the stick without realizing it.
Familiarity with the subject matter- Even the most talented mediators cannot be effective unless they understand the issues in the case at hand. A valuable trait for a mediator is to have a background in the subject being discussed in negotiations. Otherwise the mediator will make unfortunate miscalculations, or you will need to take intermissions to explain to the mediator what is going on. Best bet- find a mediator who understands the subject of your case, and don't be afraid to test him or her before making a choice.
A Likeable Demeanor- Don't just look for credentials, it's also important that you, and everyone involved, like working with the mediator. When people get along well they are more likely to "open-up," talk things out, and come to an agreement.
Self-control- In order for a mediator to facilitate working out an acceptable agreement s/he may need to take a step back once-in-a-while in order to let people say what they need to say. A good mediator knows when not to offer their "two-cents worth."
Perseverance- Let's face it, in cases where two parties have opposing self-interests and often emotionally charged histories, they will not always be to quick to make concessions. The mediator needs to be capable of working through the stand-stills in order to help everyone to ultimately be happier.
Using any form of <a href="http://www.shalleradr.com/">alternative dispute resolution</a> is a bit "off the beaten path" for some, but the benefits are almost always worth it. Good luck picking an awesome <a href="http://www.shalleradr.com/adr-services/">mediator</a>!
