Assuming one enters the field for the right reasons, are there particular skills or personality traits likely to make one a successful mediator? Most mediators would agree, based on their experience and observations, that some skills and traits are common among those who succeed in this field. The skills often can be learned, but the traits are more often innate.

Nevertheless, most mediators would acknowledge that someone with very different skills and traits could also make a good mediator. Pittsburgh mediator and trainer Michael Lang expressed this well when asked about mediator personalities. He wrote:

I am asked this question often in trainings, particularly because many of the participants experience me as having a personality that is well-suited to the work (calm, able to tolerate ambiguity, respectful, empowering, etc.). At the same time, I know many mediators whose personalities differ vastly from mine and whom I regard as superior mediators.

So with that disclaimer, offered here as generalizations only, are guidelines that may help you assess your suitability for the field.