ADR Vantage, Inc.ADR Vantage, Inc.ADR Vantage, Inc.
When federal employees file formal complaints and grievances, it is imperative that they have access to a fair and just process that will help them address and resolve the underlying issues. Mediation is a touchstone of such processes. It is a process designed to enable collaborative conversations, and it provides…
A colleague recently asked me to recommend my favorite books on the subject of leadership. I’ve ready quite a few, and there are many that offer generic lessons and stories, leaving the reader with little more than a loose definition of leadership. There are two leadership books I strongly recommend….
Words are powerful, and in organizational life, everything is shaped by words. Buzzwords, jargon, and slogans all have specific meanings and histories that they convey. Mission statements, marketing materials, and position descriptions are meticulously crafted with the perfect words that communicate the organization’s values. Yet, one word, “toxic,” has found…
Workplace bullying causes real and sometimes permanent harm yet management’s champions in HR are often powerless to help. Bullying managers and employees create a toxic environment that results in lowered productivity, lowered team performance, and dysfunction among employees. When bullied employees turn to HR, they may not find much help…
One of the most wrenching problems I encounter is working with people or teams who are demoralized because of the behaviors of the person they work for. It’s even worse when those behaviors are a reflection of their organization’s leadership and culture. So why are bosses toxic? Why are they…
An expression I detest is “I can speak for everyone when I say…” Why is it assumed that you can speak for everyone in a group, or that everyone shares your preferences and opinions? This is an example of self-appointed decision making. A self-appointed decision maker, be it an individual…
The US Treasury, in selecting a woman to feature on the planned redesign of the $20 bill, was inundated with candidates whose contributions to our nation were pivotal if not monumental. As our team considered the women whose stories inspire us, it was much the same. We decided to share…
Mediation is an effective problem-solving process because mediators bring tools and techniques to facilitate a collaborative conversation. Still, the process can be even more effective when the participants themselves promote cooperation and make necessary preparations prior to the start of the process. Below are a few tips to help you…
Imagine that you spent weeks of time and effort preparing for a presentation at work based on guidance from your immediate supervisor. After delivering the presentation, you stand smiling, eagerly waiting for questions. Instead, your supervisor speaks up. “This wasn’t the direction we thought you would take, so I think…
Reading not only expands your knowledge but can also stimulate the imagination, foster empathy, reduce stress and improve communication skills – all great benefits for anyone engaging in conflict conversations. What books are you planning to read this year and why? Here are some books our team has on their…