Twitter
Facebook
When a workplace dispute arises, there are choices when selecting an avenue to resolve the conflict. The 86th Airlift Wing’s Alternative Dispute Resolution program offers mediation for dispute parties.
To strengthen that program, 86th AW’s Equal Opportunity office hosted a Basic Air Force Mediation certification course for 23 selected applicants Oct. 5 through 8 on Ramstein.
Participants from U.S. Air Forces in Europe and U.S. Air Forces Central Command volunteered and were selected based on their application, essay and a recommendation from their respective supervisor and commander.
The 32-hour course covered the foundations of mediation, opening statements, negotiations, the communication and interest-based process, confidentiality, standards of conduct and settlement agreements.
“We are so thankful you are here; we need you,” said Norman Jacobson, Air Force ADR program director. “This line of work takes passion. … You will feel a sense of accomplishment helping parties resolve their disputes and will want to do it at any and every chance given.”
The cadre consisted of representatives from the Air Force’s Negotiation Center, located at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, and the Alternative Dispute Resolution Center, located in the Pentagon, as well as a labor law attorney from the continental U.S. and an Air Force mediator.
On day one, students were introduced to the foundations of mediation and provided opening statements to set the tone and make both parties aware of the procedures and responsibilities they hold in the mediation process. To enforce the lessons learned, students were asked to draft an opening statement for homework.
“Opening statements are a lot harder than one would think,” said Staff Sgt. Matthew Paulk, 52nd Logistic Readiness Squadron quality assurance evaluator. “There is a lot to remember and explain to the dispute parties. I hand wrote my opening statement but still found it difficult to cover all aspects of the mediation session.”
The final two days of the course offered students the opportunity to conduct mock opening statements and continue to learn about the mediation process.
“I didn’t know it was going to be so hard to stay unbiased during the mediation process, but I found myself choosing sides; it’s a human tendency,” Paulk said. “I can see my struggle with mediation will be trying to stay neutral.”
After students completed their opening statements, mock mediation sessions were held. To keep training as realistic as possible, fellow students served as role players and acted out disputes while another student served as the mediator. The Cadre evaluated the overall scenarios following the students’ three days of training.
“Overall, I saw some great mediating,” said Bryan Osbourne, 86th AW EO office and ADR manager, who spoke to the class following the mock mediation sessions. “But remember, it’s a growing process. … Don’t get discouraged. I have already witnessed growth in you from day one.”
Once mock mediations were complete, the class gathered for feedback on how well each session went. The mediator, role players and cadre shared the difficulties and triumphs each experienced and witnessed during the mock mediation sessions.
“This course was excellent, very fast paced, and a lot of information was covered,” said Tech. Sgt. Robert Webb, 86th AW Public Affairs office community engagement NCOIC. “I feel confident that I have been given the tools it takes to perform a successful mediation session.”
This graduating class increased the Air Force-wide pool of trained mediators to 122.
Anyone interested in becoming an Air Force mediator, contact the 86th AW/EO office for more information at 480-8565.
