The most empowering method for resolving disputes in the workplace is for the disagreeing parties to negotiate their own solution. Unfortunately, this is not always possible for any number of reasons, including time constraints, lack of information or historical difficulties. When a solution is not forthcoming, many managers immediately resort to arbitration, particularly in situations of stress. While arbitration is sometimes the most effective means of resolution, it is often experienced as disempowering or "heavy-handed".

Mediation is another alternative with significant advantages. It provides needed impetus to allow movement while helping disputants to get at real needs and underlying interests. It also allows the manager a degree of control while still empowering employees to find their own answers and consequently be invested in the solution. While mediation is frequently used in inter-organizational conflict and sometimes at executive levels, it is not common as a management tool and is not taught in management programs.

This workshop will provide the participant with basic skills in the use of this powerful dispute resolution method.

Workshop Participants Will Learn:

	A powerful method for resolving conflict that empowers parties involved
	In what situations mediation provides the most effective solution and when not to use it)
	To deal with situations involving power struggles
	How to plan for successful sessions
	Strategies that apply to both individuals and groups

Who Should Attend?

	Those wishing to learn empowering management techniques
	Supervisors and Managers who must deal with dispute resolution on a regular basis
	Human Resource professionals dealing with organizational change or conflict
	Those wishing to learn an effective dispute resolution strategy applicable to diverse situations

Workshop Format
This is a highly intensive, highly participative, half-day workshop. Cramby River workshops are designed with the adult learner in mind, and provide as much experiential learning as possible. Didactic material is balanced with interactive exercises, including case studies that are based on real-world situations. In this way, important concepts are reinforced through active participation and relevant problem solving. Additional reference material is available to participants in the form of white papers, reprints, additional case studies and bibliographies.

Students will participate in three brief mediation simulations that will give all students an opportunity to experience the role of both disputant and mediator.

Workshop Content
Conflict and Alternative Resolution Strategies
 A Review of the Nature of Conflict
 Conflict and Negotiation Strategies Review
 Empowerment in Conflict Situations
 Situations Appropriate for Mediation

The Mediation Process
 The Role of the Mediator
 The Mediation Stages
 Manager as Mediator

Peer Mediation
 History
 Practical Application
 Benefits, Risks and Limitations

The Nature of Power and Its Use
 Agendas
 Empowerment
 Situations Involving Unequal Power