Training Opportunties
Overview
Experience at the Department of Transportation, in other Federal agencies, and in the private sector have shown that alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can improve communications and achieve mutually acceptable solutions more effectively than traditional, non-collaborative processes. The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution works with organizations and individuals to increase knowledge, quality, and use of ADR. The Center serves as an information resource to both DOT ADR providers and users.
The Center is partnering with the Office of the Dispute Resolution Specialist at the Department of Health and Human Services to offer ADR-related informational and skill-based training workshops. Working together, we offer a variety of courses, instructors, and coaches to our employees and provide them with opportunities to learn in a diverse environment and to recognize that the issues they face occur in a variety of organizational settings.
- Training Schedule
- Course Instructors
- Training Policy
- Course Location
- Registration
- Cost
- Course Descriptions
Training Schedule
Due to the pandemic, our open training courses are suspended until further notice.
Course Instructors
Course instructors are trained professional mediators with years of experience in mediation and interest based negotiations within the Federal and private sector.
Training Policy
The Center requires participants to attend the entire course. Participants who do not attend the entire course will not receive a training certificate or credit for attending.
Course Location
To be determined.
Registration
To register for courses, please send an email request to CADR@dot.gov.
Please include your name, telephone number, name of your agency, and the course for which you wish to register. You will be notified of space availability.
Cost
Training sessions are free to DOT employees.
Course Descriptions
ADR: An Overview (3 Hour Course)
The ADR: An Overview course provides participants with the general ADR theory and information about various types of ADR and how they are being used. The course also provides a more thorough understanding of mediation: one of the most commonly used types of ADR, and a mediation experience. This introductory-level course uses a variety of learning vehicles including lecture, simulation and participatory role plays.
Leadership Competencies emphasized in this course include:
- Conflict Management
- Creativity/Innovation
- Influencing/Negotiating
Who should attend? Anyone interested in learning about alternative methods of resolving conflicts.
Basic Mediation Skills (3 Day Course)
The Basic Mediation Skills course provides participants with a practical understanding of mediation by placing them in the mediator's chair. From this vantage point, participants can gain invaluable insight into what makes the process work and how it can best be used. The course covers the "nuts and bolts" of the mediation process, including fundamentals of communication (particularly active listening) and negotiation. Participants will also learn how to find creative ways to resolve conflict by identifying and shaping resolutions around underlying interests. The course uses a variety of learning vehicles, including lecture, simulations and participatory role play exercises. Lectures are followed by opportunities to apply new concepts and skills to concrete real world solutions. Performance is then critiqued by experienced neutrals, providing practical insights and opportunities to enhance skills.
Leadership Competencies emphasized in this course include:
- Conflict Management
- Creativity/Innovation
- Flexibility
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Interpersonal Skills
- Oral Communication
- Problem Solving
Who should attend? Anyone interesting in learning how to mediate or in understanding the mediation process.
NOTE: We strongly advise co-mediating several cases with an experienced mediator before students attempt to mediate alone. Therefore, we facilitate co-mediation opportunities whenever possible.
Conflict Management Skills (1 Day Course)
The Conflict Management Skills course provides managers with approaches to resolving conflict and transforming even the most difficult circumstances into satisfying, mutually beneficial experiences. This course focuses on managing workplace conflict. The course uses a variety of learning vehicles including lectures, videos, simulations and participatory role play exercises. Lectures are followed by opportunities to apply new concepts and skills to concrete, real world situations. Performance is then critiqued by experienced neutrals, providing valuable insights and opportunities to enhance skills.
Leadership Competencies emphasized in this course include:
- Conflict Management
- Flexibility
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Problem Solving
- Team Building
Who should attend? Managers who want to better manage workplace conflict, learn practical ways of handling challenging personalities, and create a positive outcome and work environment.
Interest Based Problem Solving (1/2 day, 1 or 2 Day Course)
The Interest Based Problem Solving course provides participants with an understanding of the techniques, tactics and strategies needed to bring polarized (or potentially polarized) groups together to analyze, problem-solve, build consensus and find common ground around organizational conflicts, reorganizations, labor/management negotiations, planning teams and task forces. The course uses lecture and role play exercises to familiarize participants with the process. At the end of the course, students will understand the theory and stages of the model so they can participate in an interest based problem solving session.
Leadership Competencies emphasized in this course include:
- Conflict Management
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Interpersonal Skills
- Oral Communication
- Problem Solving
- Team Building
Who should attend? Anyone interested in learning how to use an interest based problem solving model.
Mediation Advocacy Skills (1 Day Course)
The Mediation Advocacy Skills course provides participants with practical advice on how to advocate effectively for the client before, during, and at the conclusion of the mediation session. The course provides an overview of the mediation process, in addition to information on preparing for mediation, advocating effectively, and ethical considerations. At the conclusion of the course, students will understand basic mediation theory and how to best represent clients in a mediation setting. The course uses a number of learning vehicles including lecture, simulation and participatory role play exercises. In addition, students receive written materials that supplement course discussions.
Leadership Competencies emphasized in this course include:
- Conflict Management
- Creativity/Innovation
- Flexibility
- Influencing/Negotiating
- Integrity/Honesty
- Interpersonal Skills
- Vision
Who should attend? Attorneys or union representatives interested in learning how to be a successful advocate in a mediation setting.
Customized Courses
The Center for Alternative Dispute Resolution is dedicated to serving the individual training needs of all of our customers. ADR courses can be custom designed to meet the unique requirements of your office/organization. Our experienced staff can draw on our expertise and methodology to tailor courses to meet your specific goals, objectives, and development needs.