In this insightful video, Keith Grossman—a mediator, attorney, and legal educator—shares practical advice on becoming a successful mediator. 

Drawing from his experience, he outlines five key essentials for aspiring mediators, emphasizing mediation as a consensual process where parties resolve disputes with the help of a neutral facilitator. 

Keith uses a memorable swan analogy to illustrate the mediator's role: like swans gliding gracefully on the surface while paddling frantically below, mediators must "get under the water" to uncover hidden issues in conflicts.

1. Understand the Role of the Mediator

Mediators facilitate discussions, promote self-determination (parties own the resolution), and maintain confidentiality.
Key tasks: Control the process, ask questions, listen actively, brainstorm options, evaluate proposals, and draft agreements.
Start with a strong opening statement to build trust and set a positive tone. Be a calming influence, highlight progress, and encourage persistence.

2. Develop Essential Skills

Core skills include communication (active listening, questioning), neutrality, empathy, creativity, problem-solving, and negotiation.

Keith introduces the "Peace Chest" concept (flipping the "war chest" idea): 3 principles (understand others' views, express emotions honestly, focus on solutions) and 5 skills (facilitation, curiosity, active listening, persuasion, creative thinking).

Techniques: Clarify issues, ask open-ended questions, reframe negative statements, and explore wants/needs/interests to shift perspectives.

3. Embrace the Power of Neutrality (Impartiality)Neutrality builds trust, fairness, and open communication, creating a safe space for honest dialogue.

Avoid favoritism, personal opinions, legal advice, assumptions, or judgments. If biases can't be managed, withdraw from the case.

Model neutrality to help parties detach from emotions. While full neutrality may be challenging (as humans have biases), managing it ethically is key for process integrity.

4. Consider Ethical and Legal Aspects

Ethics guide professional demeanor, neutrality, self-determination, confidentiality, and avoiding conflicts of interest or coercion.

Prioritize ethics over resolution (per Florida rules); breaches can lead to sanctions and damage reputation.

Know local laws and ethical standards. Maintain good moral character to protect clients and the justice system.

5. Grow Your Skills Continuously

Mediation is a journey—improve through intentional actions like attending workshops, reading books, joining networks, and finding mentors.

Identify your niche, network for clients, embrace flexibility, and observe other mediators.

Practice reflection: Analyze past mediations in group settings to refine techniques. Success comes from preparation meeting opportunity.

Keith encourages viewers to reflect on successful conflict resolvers they know and build their own "peace-building" toolkit.

If you're interested in mediation training or more tips, connect with Keith Grossman at:

https://www.peacesharkmediationtraining.com/

Peace, love & harmony!

5 Essential Things to Know to Become a Successful Mediator

Helping you "Think Outside the Court" — 30 Year Attorney, Florida Supreme Court Mediator & Arbitrator.

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