Welcome to the informational connection about Mediation, “the
highway of opportunity to resolve conflicts as an alternative to
a formal process”. Click on the media player below for a video
discussion on how the State Mediation Program creates "win-win"
solutions to workplace conflict, or scroll down to the information below for
additional details.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is an informal confidential and voluntary process in
which a neutral third
party assists disputing parties in reaching a resolution.
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Mediation program is
to provide a responsive, informal confidential, effective means of resolving
conflicts as an alternative to formal proceedings.
The Mediation process allows the parties to
explore options and solutions to resolve issues at the lowest
possible level. Mediation seeks to achieve a “Win-Win”
resolution by empowering parties to formulate a mutually
agreeable resolution while maintaining management and employee
rights. The Mediator and either party involved in the mediation
may end the mediation session any time if it is felt that a
positive effort is not being made to resolve this issue. In
addition the mediator may bring the mediation to a close if
there is a threat of harm, abuse of the process or violence.
This program will allow employees the
opportunity to discuss the issues raised and clear up misunderstandings, determine the
underlying interest or concerns, find areas of agreement and
ultimately, place a resolution to those issues into a written
agreement.
Advantages of Mediation:
It’s a voluntary process offered to all
employees
It’s a fair process
It’s a confidential process
It supplements and does not limit or replace
established grievance or complaint procedures
It opens avenues of communication
It offers an opportunity to resolve issues at
the lowest possible level
Mediation Is Not:
A
substitute for discipline
Therapy
Telling others what to do
A
crisis intervention technique to be used when there is
immediate threat, harm, or danger
Appropriate to all situations
Magic
A Mediator Is:
An
individual who has attended required Mediation Training
A good
listener
A good
team worker
A fair
person who doesn’t take sides
A
helper
A
dependable person
A
person who can be trusted
A
person who can keep things private
A
person who doesn’t make assumptions or draw conclusions based on
stereotypes
Not
influenced by others
A Mediator Is Not A:
Disciplinarian
Person
who interrupts or focuses on self
Judge
or legal advisor
Person
who gives orders or advice
Person
who talks about another person’s conflicts
NOTE: Any interested party who may have questions or feel
this process may assist in resolving their issues or concerns
are encouraged to contact their Agency Coordinator or the
Mediation Program Administrator, Tammy Smith, at (775) 684-0104
.
