In mediation, success depends in large part on dealing with the unique characters in the room who are part of the process. People come into mediation at different stages of a conflict, therefore, bringing in different emotions. The article below is a good discussion of common characters that I see fairly regularly in mediation. What I identify with the most is the author’s point that it is very important to know who should attempt to handle the difficult person. A good mediator is very careful not to want to control the situation so much that he/she fails to recognize when she can do the most good. Sometimes I really have to…wait for my turn…wait for it…help the attorney push a little…keep listening…and NOW! pounce!!!!!! It is such a matter of looking at the whole situation and listening and remembering you are dealing with people in pain. People in pain hurt and feeling that pain with them goes a long way. (Recall I do family mediation). Anyway, here is the article…