Are you experiencing an increase
in labor/management conflicts within your organization? An increase in employment-related litigation?
Are you interested in a program which could lead to improved communications between employees,
help reduce workplace conflict, and create an overall improved workplace climate?
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T.E.A.M. TRANSFORMATIVE MEDIATION (© 2010) helps employees in conflict. The transformative
mediation model encourages employees to openly discuss their issues in a way that can "transform" their working
relationships. This open dialogue often helps employees recognize each other's viewpoints to determine how their dispute
can be resolved. In transformative mediation, it is the disputing parties, rather than the mediator, who have the decision-making
power to decide if the issues can be resolved. T.E.A.M. TRANSFORMATIVE MEDIATION is based on the belief that the disputing
parties, with assistance, are best able to decide how to resolve their dispute. Empowerment and recognition through
the mediation process are emphasized - that is, the mediation empowers the parties to effectively express themselves and encourages
them to recognize the reaons for their actions. The mediator facilitates the discussion between the disputing parties,
but does not determine who is "right" or "wrong." When employees are given the opportunity to participate
in transformative mediation, they can gain a better understanding of the underlying conflict, and improve their ability to
communicate with each other. Ultimately, conflicts in the workplace are reduced and communication is improved, litigation
and formal EEO complaints are reduced, resulting in the long-term benefit of a better overall workplace environment.
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"The unique promise of mediation lies
in its capacity to transform the quality of conflict interaction itself, so that conflicts can actually strengthen both the
parties themselves and the society they are part of....." The Promise of Mediation, Bush/Folger 2005.
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TRANSFORMATIVE MEDIATION OF WORKPLACE CONFLICT
Successfully utilized by the U.S. Postal Service
in their REDRESS ("Resolve Employment Disputes Reach Equitable Solutions Swiftly") program since the mid-1990's,
Transformative Mediation provides an effective, fast, fair, neutral and informal alternative to the traditional EEO complaint/litigation
process and has helped reduce other forms of workplace conflict. It is now recognized as one of the country's leading
conflict resolution programs. Mark Myers has served as a REDRESS mediator in Louisiana since the program was instituted
here, and has conducted many EEO mediations for the program. He is now offering the advantages of TRANSFORMATIVE
MEDIATION through his own "T.E.A.M. ("Transform Employees and Managers") mediation program (©
2010) to public and private employers in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Transformative mediators believe that conflict presents opportunities for individuals to
change ("transform") their interactions with others. With the assistance of the mediator, disputing parties
can make their own decisions and gain perspective over their situations. Transformative Mediation is considered
successful when the parties participate in interactive communication that results in a clearer understanding of their situation
and each other's perspectives. Often, this leads to resolution of the underlying dispute.
TESTIMONIALS OF TRANSFORMATIVE MEDIATION
"Mediation
made a difference in my life. It was a way for me to talk about my problems. I never thought that I would reach
an agreement during mediation, but I did. I was surprised when my supervisor apologized to me during mediation.
I withdrew my EEO complaint during mediation because I was allowed to talk about my concerns and as a result of mediation,
I view management in a more positive manner." Postal Employee, NY
"Communication is so important in making our organization healthy and efficient. Sometimes
our communication processes fail. Mediation gives us the opportunity to take quality time to work towards a better understanding
of all sides. The relaxed and confidential atmosphere really helps participants find solutions acceptable to everyone
involved." Senior Manager, NE
"Mediation is a fast and fair process that benefits both employees and management. Differences are
often resolved quickly and communications between supervisors and employees is improved. Better communication leads
to a lower incidence of misunderstandings and that paves the way for a more satisfied workplace." Mary Anne Gibbons,
V-P/General Counsel, U.S.P.S.
"Our
experience has shown that, when we all try to do the right thing and speak openly and honestly with each other when problems
arise, we grow both as individuals and as an organization. Mediation gives us that opportunity. Surverys of over
50,000 participants show a satisfaction rate of over 90% and a closure rate of over 75%. The number of employees who
have chosen to pursue formal EEO complaints has dropped 25%." John E. Potter, Postmaster General
