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Mediation
There are workplace conflicts that, for one reason
or another, are difficult for those involved to
resolve on their own. What can be done for those
situations?
Despite the advantages of using mediation, you may
have some reservations. You may see it as a sign
of failure ("I should be able to settle this
thing myself.") or cause for embarrassment
("What will others think?"). The truth
is that we all need help at one time or another
help in managing conflict in the workplace. Requesting
mediation is not a sign of failure but a sign of
proactive attitude towards a problem that needs
resolution. Conflicts that are left unresolved
or poorly resolved have a negative effect on productivity
and morale.
FGCU has a clearly defined conflict management
system and an essential component of this system
is a mediation option. It is the option
that comes after trying to resolve the problem directly
with the other person or with a supervisor’s assistance
and that precedes filing a complaint or initiating
a lawsuit. It is an alternative to giving up or
ignoring the problem.
There are two things true about conflicts in the
workplace: 1. there usually exists a good solution
to the problem and 2. the parties would like to
find a solution. There are times when those involved
are not able to find their way through the conflict
thicket to daylight. Mediation can be the method
for seizing the opportunity that conflicts present
to improve the system and the relationships.
What can I expect from Mediation?
Individual mediation is a voluntary conflict resolution
process in which two or more parties meet with trained,
impartial mediator(s) in a good faith attempt to
resolve their issues. Mediators facilitate
an exchange in which parties clarify the issues,
check the facts, hear each other’s perspectives
and ideas, provide new information and move towards
an agreement. Parties participate in an environment
of equality and respect.
Mediators do not impose decisions or give advise.
Mediation is confidential, which means that to the
extent possible all details about the mediation
session are not shared with anyone, nor are written
records kept. In mediations the parties have responsibility
for the resolution. An agreement is reached when
the parties are satisfied with all of its terms.
Mediation has a high success rate, often
reported to be in the 70% range or better.
Even when you are unable to reach full agreement,
usually the process results in some improvement
of the situation and the relationship.
FGCU has a program to educate, train and use FGCU
employees as mediators. A party can request mediation
by completing the form below. The Ombudsman Office
will assign, with input from the parties, a mediator
with the training and experience required to work
on the case who is acceptable to both parties. In
situations that may require a particular expertise
not available among internal mediators, the Ombudsman
may decide to use an outside mediator.
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