Workplace Mediation for Managers

Workshop Description
Disputes and conflict in today’s work environment have become commonplace.  The affects of unresolved workplace disputes can debilitate an organization, ultimately draining its resources—whether it is time, productivity or money. Managers can utilize basic mediation skills to deter situations from escalating and necessitating entry into a formal grievance process.  It is important for managers at all levels to possess the tools to be able to effectively address these situations. 

This one-day workshop is designed to provide managers with the fundamentals involved in mediation and steps that can be used to implement a mediation process in their organizations.  Focus is on development of the skill set utilized by successful mediators and establishing baseline knowledge of the mediation process.  To promote maximum transfer of learning, real-world, practical exercises and case studies will be used that provide opportunities for the learner to practice the skills and concepts being introduced and demonstrate mastery.  Asking/answering questions, debriefs and discussions are important elements of the sessions. 

 

Content Outline

Workplace Mediation for Managers Workshop

INTRODUCTION TO MEDIATION--WHAT MEDIATION IS...AND ISN'T

  • The primary goal of mediation
  • Mediation:  Voluntary, collaborative and confidential, self-determination (not imposed);
  • What is the difference between mediation, negotiation, and conflict -resolution?
  • Why is workplace mediation important? 

WHAT SKILLS ARE REQUIRED OF A MEDIATOR

  • Impartiality/Suspend assumptions
  • Establishing trust
  • Active listening (listening to understand...not to respond)
  • Art of asking the right questions
  • Reformulation or paraphrasing
  • Being aware of an handling the imbalance of power
  • Summarizing
  • Effective use of caucus

WHAT IS THE MEDIATION PROCESS--STEP BY STEP

  • Setting the stage/Orientation
  • Gathering information
  • Distinguishing between needs/wants
  • Formalizing the issues
  • Generating options for solutions--recognizing there may be more than one solution and no right answer
  • Refinement and adoption of solutions
  • Crafting the final agreement
  • Written agreement--Informal memo of understanding

Contact us for more information, a more detailed outline and how to bring this program to your site.