In our introductory mediation courses, we ask students to give their initial reactions to conflict.  The most frequent word most new mediators associate with conflict is fear.  That anxiety propels us into default fight-or-flight defense responses. So, how do we mediators, who work directly with people in conflicts, manage our own emotions?  I reached out to a few highly-respected mediators and asked them to share strategies they use to stay calm when conflicts get tense. Many of these tips can be applied outside the context of mediation, to help you feel better prepared for conflict situations. With input from those colleagues, I have identified the following five powerful strategies mediators use to keep cool in the heat of conflict.