Success as a Mediator For Dummies

Everything you need to become a master mediator

To be an effective mediator, you need to learn and fine–tune a variety of special skills, from remaining calm and neutral, to breaking impasse, to marketing your business with diligence. Whether you have a background in law or you′re brand–new to the field of conflict resolution, this guide gives you everything you need to enter the exciting world of mediation.

Say yes to success — find out how to choose a market that holds the greatest potential for success and obtain the training to pursue that market

Mediation strategies 101 — get a handle on the fundamental techniques used in mediating, like anchoring, framing, trust–building, brainstorming, problem–solving, and logrolling

Put your skills to the test — take a tour of the various situations you′ll have to navigate during a mediation, and how to establish and maintain your authority while also helping the parties resolve their disputes

Drumming up business — discover how to market yourself and your services, grow your business through networking and referrals, and understand the ins and outs of the business side of mediation

Open the book and find:

Advice on finding the perfect mediation market for you

The required education and training

Helpful hints to network with other mediators in the community

The best mediation style for your dispute

Conflict resolution styles, strategies, and tactics

Field–tested ways to break through impasse

Learn to:

Resolve disputes, offer advice, and facilitate discussion

Remain neutral, calm, and in control

Succeed as a private–practice mediator

Part I: Acquiring the Keys to Mediation Success 7

Chapter 1: Achieving Success as a Mediator 9

Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Niche 21

Chapter 3: Training for Your Chosen Market and Niche 35

Part II: Becoming a Master Mediator 61

Chapter 4: Navigating the Mediation Process 63

Chapter 5: Mediating with and without Lawyers 83

Chapter 6: Exploring Different Mediation Styles 97

Chapter 7: Honing Essential Mediation Skills 115

Chapter 8: Employing Conflict Dynamics to Resolve Any Dispute 135

Part III: Improving Your Success Rate 157

Chapter 9: Establishing and Maintaining Control 159

Chapter 10: Transitioning from Adversarial Negotiation to Collaborative Mediation 173

Chapter 11: Capitalizing on Your People Skills 187

Chapter 12: Problem–Solving Like a Pro 201

Chapter 13: Breaking through Impasse 219

Chapter 14: Closing and Memorializing the Parties′ Agreement 245

Part IV: Launching Your Own Mediation Practice 255

Chapter 15: Building Your Business from the Ground Up 257

Chapter 16: Marketing Yourself and Your Business Online and Off 273

Chapter 17: Growing Your Business through Client Retention and Community 289

Part V: The Part of Tens 303

Chapter 18: Ten Practices of the Super Mediator 305

Chapter 19: Ten Major Mediating Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 311

Chapter 20: Ten Tips for Busting Impasse 317

Index 323

Victoria Pynchon is a mediator, author, speaker, negotiation trainer, consultant, and attorney with 25 years of experience in commercial litigation practice. Joe Kraynak is a professional writer who has contributed to numerous For Dummies books.