-	Communication: Communication and the way conflict parties communicate with each other make a big difference in finding an agreement, understanding each other, listening to each other. The way one party perceives the communication of the other party contributes to trust, mutual respect, and enhances relationships. A mediator can, in certain cases, help the parties to reflect their mutual communication. Nevertheless, a mediator needs outstanding communication skills as well to handle and when necessary de-escalate arguments. 

-	Problem-solving: A mediator needs to lead through the mediation process, create an environment in which an agreement can be solved, summarize perspectives and demands. Through a complex skill set, the mediator needs to understand and support resolving conflicts of all kind. Through peace education, mediators can help strengthening the parties’ problem-solving abilities as well.

-	Flexibility: Better then a pre-defined structure, mediation processes need to be tailored to the needs. No process and problem is exactly like another. 

-	Responsibility: The mediator is not responsible for the outcome of the process. The mediator needs to help parties understand that the agreement and its implementation is solely their responsibility to increase ownership.