RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Air Force is a diverse force, yet, despite differences of background and belief, Airmen must work together to accomplish one mission.
Air Force culture calls for a resolution to problems at the lowest level possible. With the option of mediation offered by the Equal Opportunity Office, Team Randolph members have an avenue for dispute resolution.
Mediation is commonly referred to as Alternative Dispute Resolution and is a process that uses a trained individual, who acts as a mediator, to assist two or more disputants in reaching an agreement, thereby addressing disputes early and at the lowest level possible. Unlike a judge or other authority, the mediator does not decide the outcome, the disputers do.
Steven Goldman, 12th Flying Training Wing Equal Opportunity director, explains that barriers to problem resolution in the workplace often arise because of people's natural tendencies which work to escalate conflicts rather than resolve them.
"It is important to realize up front that we are all different. How we are raised and our life experiences determine how we view the world, which in turn influences our behavior, perceptions, actions and reactions," he said. "Sometimes we strive to convince others we are right and they are wrong or try to change their behavior."
Mediation is available to all Team Randolph members, military or civilian, and can be used to resolve workplace disputes in which an individual feels they were treated poorly or unfairly or if a personality conflict arises. Mr. Goldman said EO personnel will talk with the individual to ensure the issue is appropriate for resolution through their office.
"Some situations might not be appropriate for mediation, especially if it involves violations of the law or the Uniform Code of Military Justice," he said. "The important thing to remember is if you want to file or respond to a complaint, you should contact the EO office within 45 calendar days of the incident."
During the initial interview, the EO counselor will advise the pursuer of their option to participate in ADR or an informal inquiry process. The mediation process can occur at any stage of the complaint process. If a case is appropriate for mediation and all parties agree to mediate the dispute, a certified mediator is contacted and will sit down with all parties involved.
According to Mr. Goldman, the mediation process is confidential. Parties can represent themselves or have representation present. However, anyone who participates in the mediation session should have the authority and ability to enter into an agreement that would resolve the dispute. Depending on the situation, mediation participants typically only include the complainant, respondent and the mediator.
"When people are emotionally triggered, it often becomes difficult to be objective," Mr. Goldman said. "Mediation is effective because the certified mediator brings objectivity and conflict management expertise to the table, provides a safe, neutral forum where individuals can more comfortably discuss their issues and empowers participants to seek solutions or settlement agreements that work best for them."
After both parties have agreed upon a solution to their problem, an Alternative Settlement Agreement is drafted. The settlement includes input from both parties and can be referred to in the future if situations arise.
"Mediation is a quick and inexpensive method to resolve disputes. One of the biggest goals is that parties reach their own voluntary agreement," Mr. Goldman said. "The process helps in situations that are often misunderstandings or miscommunications between individuals."
The EO ADR program is currently accepting applications from Team Randolph members interested in becoming Alternate Dispute Resolution Program mediators.
According to Mr. Goldman, future mediators must have the ability to remain as an impartial, neutral party, demonstrate patience and be committed to procedural fairness. They must understand the principles of allowing self determination of the parties and upholding confidentiality.
Mediators must be able to facilitate communication between disputants, they must be active listeners and have an interest in problem solving. Mediators must also be able to draft clearly worded settlement agreements.
Applicants will be interviewed and screened by a panel of subject matter experts. The selected applicants will attend Basic Mediation Training, after which they will be expected to perform mediator duties, on a collateral-duty basis, for the Randolph ADR Program for a minimum of two years.
All persons interested in applying can contact the EO Office to request the ADR Mediator Application Form. Applications can be submitted through base mail to 12 FTW/EO, Building 220, Attention: Steven Goldman, or sent electronically to: steven.goldman@randolph.af.mil
For more information on the mediation process or how to apply, call Steven Goldman at 652-3705.
SIDEBAR INFO
Mediation is not appropriate in all situations. Some factors that may make mediation inappropriate include:
· When a definitive and authoritative decision is needed as a precedent
· The matter involves significant issues of government policy
· The matter involves significant issues where it is important to maintain an established policy and avoid variation in implementation
· When a full public record of the proceedings is important
· When credible allegations or confessions of criminal activity such as fraud, waste or abuse are involved