An Outline for Participants in the Conflict Assessment Process
The following describes the two-part process I often use to assist
with workplace conflict issues. The conflict assessment day provides
an opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings about the issues
in your work environment to a neutral third party in a confidential
setting. In listening to people's experience, I will be better able
to determine whether we should proceed to the next step of mediation.
In some situations it is not advisable to meditate, so it is important
to assess the appropriateness of mediation. If mediation is advisable,
your information will contribute to a list of topics to form our
agenda for the mediation. Deciding who will participate in the mediation
day will also be discussed.
On the mediation day the session will begin with the participants
designing guidelines for how people want to communicate with each
other in a respectful manner. Following the agenda, we will discuss
each topic with the whole group. The intent is that you will have
a chance to be heard and understood, as well as to listen and understand
others. From this dialogue, we will craft mutually-acceptable agreements
or solutions for each topic. Agreements will include what needs
to change, and solutions that all participants agree with to improve
your worksite. In the written document, only agreements will be
recorded, including champions and action plans with expected dates
for completion where appropriate. If we do not have enough time
to complete this two-day task, we will reconvene on an agreed day.
If no agreement is reached, there will be no written report. Participants
will discuss who will receive a copy of the agreement, and agree
on its distribution.
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