Resolving Conflict in the Work Place

Sample Program Agenda 

8:45 am     Welcome and Introductions.  Identify goals of training:

-To learn the mediation process as a tool to resolve disputes.

-To understand how mediation fits in the larger framework of Alternative Dispute Resolution.

9:00 am  Role play #1: “Mediation Live!” A simulated mediation session using seminar participants as disputants.  Discussion. Questions.

10:00 am     Overview of Mediation and Dispute Resolution:

-What are the different alternative dispute resolution techniques?   What are the benefits/drawbacks of each?

-Brief history of mediation in the Eastern and Western Worlds.

 -Applications for mediation.

10:30 am  A step-by-step analysis of the mediation process.  Replay videotape of earlier simulation and examine each phase of the process.  Discussion.

  Noon Lunch.

1:00 pm     Role play #2.  Participants will divide in groups of three to put the process into practice.  Discussion.

1:45 pm  “Neutrality or Consequences!”  Game show format designed to underscore the importance of mediator neutrality.

2:30 pm     Comparing and contrasting the three major mediation models.

-The automatic caucus, problem-solving and expressive models are examined and compared.

2:45 pm  Role play #3.  Second break-out role play with a different mediator and different groups.  Discussion.

3:30 pm     Applications for mediation in the workplace.

-When can you mediate.

-When to contract out.

-When not to mediate.

-How to “sell” the process to potential participants.

-Some basics in setting up an in-house program.

  3:45 pm     Wrap up. Final Questions. Evaluation.

  4:00 pm     Close

(Approximately one-two months later, a second session should be held to trouble-shoot problems experienced in mediations and possibly to do a large group dispute role-play.  Other options for topics should be considered based on the needs of the participants at the end of the full day training session.)

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