This workshop will present the concepts used by conflict management professionals to resolve disputes in which dysfunctional interactions interfere with employees' ability to accomplish their agency's mission. The concepts have been incorporated into a scientific test whereby disputing employees can be characterized by how they express themselves in disputes with coworkers. Through understanding these categories, dispute professionals can coach disputants individually or in groups. We will discuss strategies for using these classifications to plan for successful resolution and a productive work environment. The workshop will also include suggestions on how to apply these concepts to family and community disputes.

Conflict Resolution Day Messages

On October 15, 2015, federal agencies and organizations around the world celebrated Conflict Resolution Day.

Incivility in the workplace adversely affects our sense of well-being and our ability to accomplish our mission: incivility is associated with stress, absenteeism, decreased productivity, staff turnover, and increased health costs. This illustrated lecture and discussion will (i) review centuries of interest in civility as well as persistent complaints about uncivil "others" at home, at work, on the roads, and on the Internet and (ii) reinforce the power of civility to help us navigate our lives together in the workplace, the community, and the city. To that end, the discussion will offer simple strategies for how to reclaim civility as something that is good for you, is good for others, and can be a useful strategy in preventing and managing conflict in the workplace.

What is bullying? How can you prevent bullying in the workplace? What are the differences between harassment and bullying? How can you stop the bully if you are the victim? Should you report to the agency about these problems? Participants will learn how to identify the behavior of bullying, to recognize the negative impact of bullying behavior, and to learn ways to stop bullying.

The study of NeuroEconomics is an emerging, interdisciplinary field that works to explain how humans make decisions. People in conflict may respond by working towards resolution, avoiding conflict, or becoming entrenched in their positions. The Speaker will discuss how the brain decides which way to respond and will offer language and tools to use in conflict resolution. Participants will learn new communication skills to promote flexible and respectful thinking.

This session explores the role of positive psychology – the scientific study of happiness and well-being – in the management of workplace conflict. We will discuss positive coaching, positive trainings, and positive facilitations. The goal of the session is to share insight on current studies and trends, available resources, and possible next steps in integrating positivity into our practices. We will consider whether and when to draw on the principles of positive psychology as a valuable and integral part of ADR work.

This session focuses on strategies, issues, and insights into how Unconscious Bias impacts our perceptions, beliefs, and behaviors in today's workplace. Real-world case studies and current research are provided to increase awareness of the elements of the Mediation/ADR process that may be impacted by biased communication and perception. The discussion includes: 6 ways Unconscious Bias sneaks into our language, perception, and decisions; techniques for avoiding the "Pygmalion Effect"; why we underestimate how universal stereotypes are; and how the same behavior can have different meanings to different observers.