Department Of Defense

Training programs offered by the Department of Defense include:

Partnership Council Training, Facilitation and Intervention
This on-site service involves direct partnership assistance to labor and management in an ongoing relationship. It provides skills and process training for partnership council members and delivery of facilitative interventions for partnership councils in various stages of development. Agendas, training exercises and delivery of training are customized to the needs of the parties. This on-site assistance is normally limited to fifteen to twenty management and union participants. Depending on your needs, this assistance is two to three days in duration.

Interest-Based Negotiations/Interest-Based Problem-Solving
This on-site service trains management and union negotiating teams or other groups in the interest-based techniques of negotiations and problem solving. It introduces team members to interest-based principles and problem-solving skills to the negotiation of real issues. This on-site training is normally limited to fifteen to twenty management and union participants. Depending on your needs, this training is two to three days in duration.

Basic Mediation Skills
This on-site training provides the basic skills necessary for mediation. The training includes an overview of Alternative Dispute Resolution, confidentiality, defining mediation and its stages, using effective communication skills in the mediation process, and applying the interest-based approach in mediating disputes. Exercises and role-plays are used throughout the course to provide the participants an opportunity to practice the techniques and skills taught throughout the training. This on-site training is strictly limited to twenty-four participants. This training is three days in duration.

For additional information, contact the DoD Field Advisory Services, Labor & Employee Relations Branch, 1400 Key Boulevard, Suite B200, Arlington, Virginia, 22209-5144. Telephone: (703) 696-6301 (menu selection #3); Fax: (703) 696-4588; or Email: labor.relations@cpms.osd.mil

Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)

Training programs offered by the FMCS include:

Orientation to Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Techniques
This is a one-half to one-day "awareness" workshop which explores the various ADR techniques of negotiation, mediation, fact-finding, settlement judges, facilitation, minitrials, arbitration, negotiated rulemaking, and consensual decision making. This includes a combination of lecture, discussions, exercises, and mock mediations.

FMCS Specialized Training in Dispute Resolution Skills
Programs offered by FMCS are customized to the needs of Government agencies and their clients. For example, FMCS has worked with numerous Federal, state, and local agencies to train their personnel in understanding the dynamics and practice of dispute resolution. These programs include:

• Conflict Resolution
• Differences between mediation, arbitration, counseling, adjudication, etc.
• Communication skills and how to deal with difficult people
• Negotiation skills - Interest Based Negotiations and other Win/Win Approaches
• Mock exercises
• Ethical concerns
• Measures of success

These programs (whose content can range from general to specific and typically last 1 - 5 days) are designed for neutrals, advocates, and those administering the particular program. Follow-up programs and resources are also available.

Successful programs have been completed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Agriculture, Department of Education, Merit Systems Protection Board, Farmers Home Administration's Farmer/Lender Program, Defense Mapping Agency, Armed Service Board of Contract Appeals, Department of Interior, Department of Energy and others.

For further information, contact the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, International and Dispute Resolution Services, ADR Coordinator, 2100 K Street, NW., Washington, DC 20427. Telephone: (202) 606-5445; FAX: (202) 606-3679; Web site: http://www.fmcs.gov/pubinfo/adrbroch.htm.

[NOTE: See also FMCS in Section IV: Administrative Appeals Agencies.]

Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA)

The FLRA's Collaboration and Alternative Dispute Resolution Program (CADR) assists parties in the resolution of pending case disputes, provides partnership facilitation, and assists parties with relationship building and the development of ADR programs. Through the FLRA's National Office in Washington and a network of Dispute Resolution Specialists in its Regional and Headquarters offices, the CADR Program promotes the use of interest-based problem-solving in labor-management relationships and provides agency and union representatives with the skills to resolve disputes at earlier stages.

Training programs offered by the FLRA's CADR program include: Advanced Statutory, Interest-Based Problem Solving, Facilitation, ADR Design Training, Mediation Skills, and Relationship Building. These programs are generally offered as part of a larger program designed to resolve pending cases or help heal damaged relationships.

Training in Interest-Based Bargaining is offered at many different levels. Depending on the skill level desired by the parties, this program can be designed to be an overview of the process or an intense skill development. CADR staff explain the process and use exercises that allow the participants to begin to develop the skills necessary to successfully use this approach. In most situations, participants apply the process to the particular issues in dispute.

The Advanced Statutory Training was developed to address concerns expressed by both labor and management. In light of the increasing complexity of Federal sector labor law, practitioners see a need for more advanced knowledge of the law and its related concepts. This seminar deals with the most significant labor-management relations issues in the Federal sector, and also illustrates how ADR fits into traditional labor-management negotiations.

The Relationship Building Training is usually offered in conjunction with either partnership or interest-based bargaining training. It typically involves team building exercises and modules about effective listening and communicating, highlighting how essential these skills are in long-term relationships.

The CADR program also provides interest-based conflict resolution services in pending unfair labor practices, negotiability disputes, representation and impasse bargaining disputes. CADR representatives combine their ADR skills with labor law expertise to assist Federal employees, unions and agency management in resolving disputes and enhancing labor-management relationships.

For more information on any of the CADR efforts, contact Fern Feil Kaufman, Director, CADR, Federal Labor Relations Authority, 607 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20424. Telephone: (202) 482-6690 ext. 405.

Graduate School USDA

The Graduate School USDA offers training at various locations nationwide. A listing of telephone numbers, facsimile numbers, and email addresses for each location follows the Graduate School course descriptions. The following courses are among those available from the Graduate School training centers.

Alternative Dispute Resolution,1.2 CEU, 2 days.
Management and union officials will learn valuable techniques in this practical program on ADR. This training will provide participants with an opportunity to understand methods, techniques and appropriate applications for ADR; identify legitimate characteristics of neutrals and their role in the ADR process; recognize opportunities to use ADR processes in Federal agencies; develop an action plan to implement an ADR program; and assess mediation techniques to resolve disputes.

Conflict Management Practicum, 1.8 CEU, 3 days.
All participants in the Conflict Management Certificate Program (see below) must complete a Practicum to receive their certificate. The Practicum is the participants' final project, and may consist of a paper, a video presentation, the design of a mediation program or other meaningful product. By applying the knowledge and skills learned during the program to an actual workplace conflict, participants demonstrate their competency and expertise. The program will provide participants with an opportunity to create a useful product that illustrates their ability to help settle disputes; put into practice the skills gained during the program; and gain valuable insight from experienced faculty who will advise participants during the completion of the Practicum. The practicum is conducted on an as-needed basis.

How to Deal with Conflict: Principles and Practice, 1.2 CEU, 2 days.
This course is designed for supervisors, managers and team leaders. By understanding why conflict originates in the workplace and how to best resolve it, participants will be more effective on the job. The training will provide participants with an opportunity to sharpen their personal skills at resolving conflict; resolve conflict cost effectively and equitably; lead their employees to act in the best interest of the whole organization; and develop win/win solutions for their organizations.

Constructive Conflict Resolution, 1.8 CEU, 3 days.
This course is designed for employees who want to develop skills for managing and resolving conflict positively and assertively. Participants will be provided the opportunity to learn how to identify and resolve conflict in a variety of situations; control tense situations before they get out of hand; and use proven conflict resolution approaches.

Facilitator Workshop, 2.4 CEU, 4 days.
This workshop is designed for employees who have experience working with groups. Managers, supervisors, team leaders, human resource management professionals will learn how to facilitate complex human interactions in a group setting. Participants will be provided an opportunity to develop key facilitation skills; practice process onsultation; defuse difficult interpersonal conflict; deal with disruptive group members; and optimize overall group performance.

Interest-based Problem Solving, 1.8 CEU, 3-days.
Successful labor contracts are the result of mutual understanding. Management officials and union representatives responsible for negotiating working conditions and resolving workplace problems will learn valuable techniques for working together. Participants will be provided the opportunity to recognize the pitfalls of the traditional, adversarial approach to negotiating labor contracts; distinguish between interest-based and position-based problem solving; practice techniques that support the interest-based process; develop a strategy for identifying mutual interests; use techniques to focus on issues rather than personalities; and formulate mutually satisfying options based on objective standards rather than the power of leverage.

Managing Multi-party Disputes, 1.2 CEU, 2-days.
Facilitating complex disputes involving many representatives is a valuable skill for government supervisors, managers and internal consultants. Learn how to use a participatory process to obtain public input on proposed agency rules and regulations, and how to handle complicated cases with multiple stakeholders. This course will provide participants with the opportunity to enable disputing parties to find common ground; implement proven techniques for dealing with seemingly intractable disputes; and effectively manage input from several parties representing multiple interests.

Mediating Employee Disputes, 2.4 CEU, 4-days.
How an organization manages Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) complaints, union or administrative grievances and other employee relations issues will determine whether these issues can be resolved at the lowest level possible. Personnel specialists and EEO officials will find this course especially helpful. Participants will be provided the opportunity to understand ADR and interest-based negotiating; learn how to select cases best suited for mediation; recognize when ADR is not appropriate; coach disputing parties to communicate productively; and determine whether joint mediation or caucus will best suit a particular case.

General Mediation Skills, 2.4 CEU, 4 days.
This course is designed for managers, supervisors, team leaders and any employee who is interested in obtaining the skills necessary to become an effective mediator. Participants will be provided an opportunity to understand ADR philosophies and techniques; distinguish among positions, issues and personal interest; prevent problems that will damage employee morale and performance; build a work environment that helps employees succeed; and apply mediation techniques for developing workable solutions to conflict situations.

Positive Approaches to Difficult People, 1.2 CEU, 2-days.
This training provides practical techniques to successfully handle challenging personalities and to cope effectively with difficult coworkers, employees and supervisors. The training will provide skill-building exercises to each participants how to maintain their composure around difficult people; compromise without backing off; motivate others to take positive action; and minimize the negative impact of difficult personalities.

Conflict Management Certificate Program
The Graduate School, USDA developed the Conflict Management Certificate Program to respond to the National Performance Review, which encourages the use of conflict resolution to manage organizational problems within agencies. Participants who complete the Program will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to handle disputes in the workplace. The program offers a practical approach to learning and practicing a wide range of approaches for addressing conflict. The Certificate Program offers more than mediation training. It incorporates the latest issues, trends and practices in the field. Participants will gain a broad perspective on implementing the continuum of alternative dispute resolution methods. Designed to be interactive and participatory, the courses give participants an opportunity to role play, engage in discussions and exercises and apply what they learn to an actual organizational issue. Each participant is required to complete the following curriculum in order to earn a certificate. There are a total of 11 courses (equal to 15.6 CEU), including a practicum to demonstrate competency.

• Conflict Across Cultures CMGT7101D - 2 days, 1.2 CEU 1150
• Conflict Management Practicum CMGT99900D - 1.8 CEU 1111
• How to Deal with Conflict: Principles and Practices CMGT7104D -2 days, 1.2 CEU 1737
• Facilitator Workshop TDEV8120D - 4 days, 2.4 CEU 1127
• Interpersonal Communication Skills COMM7006D - 2 days, 1.2 CEU 1504
• Managing Conflict in an Environment of Change CMGT7102D - 2 days, 1.2 CEU 1161
• Managing Multi-Party Disputes CMGT7105D - 2 days, 1.2 CEU 1154
• General Mediation Skills CMGT7103D - 4 days, 2.4 CEU 1157
• Negotiation Techniques MGMT9014D - 2 days, 1.2 CEU 1106
• Planning & Eval. Conflict Management Programs CMGT8100 - 2 days, 1.2 CEU 1112
• Preventing Violence in the Workplace LABR8102D- 1 day, 0.6 CEU 1259

To receive course descriptions, dates and locations, use the Fax Back service by calling 1-800-789-8658 and following the instructions. Have your fax number available to input into the system.

For more information on the certificate program, contact Al Officer at 202-314-3432 or e-mail to alvin_officer@grad.usda.gov

Location and Contact Numbers at USDA Graduate School:

Midwest Training Center, Chicago, IL, Telephone: (312) 353-2929, Chicago@grad.usda.gov, Fax: (313) 353-3297

National Capital Training Center, Washington, DC Telephone: (202) 314-3400, nctc@grad.usda.gov, Fax: (202) 479-6810

Northeast Training Center, Philadelphia, PA, Telephone: (215) 861-4700, philly@grad.usda.gov, Fax: (215) 861-4723

Southeast Training Center, Atlanta, GA, Telephone: (404) 331-3488, atlanta@grad.usda.gov, Fax: (404) 730-3813

Southwest Training Center, Dallas, TX, Telephone: (214) 767-8245, dallas@grad.usda.gov, Fax: (214) 767-8205

Western Training Center, San Francisco, CA, Telephone: (415) 281-7025, sanfran@grad.usda.gov, Fax: (415) 281-7026

The Graduate School can also design a program to meet an agency's special training needs and deliver it to their employees in multiple locations across the country. To learn more about their professional training opportunities contact the nearest regional training center, use the toll free number (888) 744-GRAD, or web site: http://grad.usda.gov/.

U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB)

The MSPB has in-house trainers who instruct others on techniques and specific skills tailored to MSPB appeals. MSPB currently provides training upon request to interested parties. They provide an explanation of the Board's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process and provide training at no cost to agencies and private organizations when resources are available.

For more information contact Darrell Netherton, Director, Regional Operations, U.S.Merit Systems Protection Board, 1615 M Street, NW, Washington, DC 20419. Telephone: (202) 653-6772 ext.1186; FAX: (202) 653-8991.

U.S. Office Of Personnel Management (OPM)

OPM's Easter Management Development Center offers an introductory seminar, Alternative Dispute Resolution, that examines the major ADR techniques and current dispute applications. The seminar is designed for executives, managers, and mission program staff at GS-13 and above. Participants will learn about ADR procedures and their use; identify sources of conflict; understand the principles and value of interest-based negotiating; understand the advantages of different dispute resolution processes such as facilitation, mediation, arbitration and minitrials; and identify the obstacles of using ADR and how to overcome these problems.

For additional information, contact OPM's Easter Management Development Center at 101 Lowe Drive, Shepherdstown, WV 25443. Telephone: (304) 870-8000; FAX: (304) 870-8001; Web site: http://www.opm.gov/mdc/.

Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC)

PBGC established an ADR Implementation Committee within its Office of the General Counsel (OGC). The Committee members attended intensive ADR training presented by various sources, then put together an ADR Desk Book and made training available to all attorneys within OGC. Additionally, PBGC’s EEO and labor relations staffs have received training in applying ADR to resolve EEO complaints and labor-management relations disputes, including grievances and collective bargaining negotiations.

PBGC’s ADR Implementation Committee will supply its Desk Book to other Federal agencies and personnel for the cost of reproduction, and is available to advise or meet with ADR personnel from other agencies. PBGC also has training facilities that can be used by other agencies.

For further information, contact Philip R. Hertz, Deputy General Counsel and Dispute Resolution Officer, PBGC, 1200 K Street, N.W., Suite 340, Washington, DC 20006. Telephone: (202) 326-4020 ext. 3055; FAX: (202) 326-4112. Israel Goldowitz, Senior Assistant General Counsel and Chair, ADR Implementation Committee. Telephone: (202) 326-4020 ext. 3078.