Updated January 2023
When people want to keep legal disputes out of court and behind closed doors, they often turn to mediation.
There are many reasons mediation has grown in popularity as a form of alternative dispute resolution (ADR). Most notably, it generally costs less than litigation and is far more flexible. Mediation is voluntary, the outcome is not legally binding, and unlike adversarial courtroom battles, mediation focuses on solutions that satisfy everyone involved.
But bringing opposing parties together and helping mistrustful people find common ground is far more challenging than it sounds. Mediators need a complex skillset to ensure the process proves worthwhile and participants leave satisfied with the outcome.
Considering pursuing mediation training, and wondering if you have a natural aptitude for conflict resolution?
Start by assessing your skills in these six key areas. If you're strong across each of these competencies, you have a good chance of becoming a highly effective mediator.