Bringing in a mediator to resolve disputes is often a cost-effective and quick solution. Here are some tips for finding a strong mediator to resolve your disputes.

The mediator must be able to build trust with the parties in a very short amount of time.

• This means they have to know how to deal with a wide range of personalities and be able to read them very quickly. A good mediator can find out what motivates a person, what causes them fear, and what they truly need and what they truly want. If they are not able to do this, they will not be able to maintain calm and effective negotiations.

Great mediators create this bond of trust quickly because they are able to make all parties feel like their sides have been heard and their needs taken into consideration.

• These mediators work through issues using a process of going back and forth to break down the problems and find a satisfactory and realistic solution. With this trust developed, mediators can better work with parties who may need to make compromises on certain issues.

Most parties want a mediator who is smart and diligent.

• They don't need a genius, but rather, a mediator who is willing to take the time to read all the relevant documents and really try to get a grasp for the case. It may surprise some to find out that many mediators with great reviews or a high per hour price don't always read the documents of the case thoroughly.

Parties also want a mediator who is creative and willing to go the extra mile to resolve cases.

• Effective mediators are often very hardworking individuals who are willing to stay late and get up early and can come up with multiple creative solutions to resolve a case.

Depending on the type of case, a mediator may need to also be a judge.

• A judge can better convince certain parties of how an outcome will unfold and whether or not their case will be successful in a court of law.