This four-day module is an extensive immersion in ADR on the pre-course readings and the notion of "frontiers" of dispute resolution: self, theory, and practice.

Opportunities to explore self, using self-assessment tools and confidential exchanges with a learning partner and the instructors help prepare participants to act effectively in conflict situations. Personal readiness includes examining our own biases and prejudices, our conflict management styles, staying cool "under fire", and the ability to manage the emotional climate at the table.

The science of conflict, its analysis, the processes and skills necessary to help resolve conflicts and disputes are featured. This includes understanding conflict factors and dynamics; the relationship of rights, interests and power; communication and conflict, and the nature and dynamics of power; and providing third party assistance, especially mediation.

This module also introduces the participant to the theory and practice of interest-based negotiation. The key elements of negotiation are reviewed, working assumptions are questioned, and a principated approach to negotiation practice is developed.

The approach to teaching is to identify and isolate required competencies and practice them in a positive, supportive and reflective learning environment. The goal is to set the foundation for dispute resolution practitioners who have broad and sound theoretical knowledge and who are confident and skillful in dispute resolution practice.

This is achieved through theory-informed analysis, interactive exercises, and interest-based negotiation role-plays. In addition, the fundamental link between a sound understanding of negotiation skills is developed.

Constructive feedback is given throughout the course and an opportunity for a confidential review of learning objectives, personal progress and additional skill development needs takes place prior to proceeding to Module II.

Participants should be prepared to work in the evening, completing their Daily Log and preparing themselves for role-play exercises the following day. Some of the exercises may include fact situations involving financial information and a calculator may be helpful. Some of the material covered may be sensitive, including cases of abuse, gender and race conflicts.

Learning Module II:      Return to Top

Mediation*

Prerequisite: Module I or Equivalency

This four-day module is designed to introduce and develop the mediation competencies of participants. A good working knowledge of the theory of conflict analysis, communication, conflict, anger and power and interest-based negotiation are assumed.

This module concentrates on the mediation process in its broader aspects from pre-mediation screening and interviewing to the mediation process itself, to the conclusion of written agreements, and to any follow up procedures.

The participants will explore where mediation fits into the overall ADR continuum, how it compares to both rights-based and other ADR processes and when it's use is appropriate.

Students will become familiarized with all stages of the mediation process and will be given generous opportunity to develop mediator skills.

The approach to teaching is to identify and isolate required competencies, and practice them in a positive, supportive and reflective environment.

The goal is to provide participants with a solid theoretical and practical foundation in mediation and to equip them for their journey towards becoming highly skilled and reflective mediators.

* Modules I and Modules II, when both modules have been completed, have been accepted as an Approved Mediation Course, by the ADR Institute of Ontario Inc.

Advanced Negotiation and Mediation

Prerequisite: Modules I and II or Equivalency

This four-day module is designed to deepen the skills and competencies of participants. A good working knowledge of the theory of conflict analysis, communication, conflict, anger and power and the negotiation and mediation processes are assumed.

The challenges of assisting in more conflicted disputes, including multi-party, multi-issue disputes are dealt with in a clinical skills development learning environment. That is, closer attention is given to strategy, process design, and micro communication skills to enhance the quality of practice.

Focus is given to issues of power imbalance, anger, the ethical dilemmas of mediators, working and sustaining yourself in conflict environments, organizational applications, promoting constructive conflict management practices and applications that address real world issues in the community and workplace.

Attention is paid to the learning objectives of participants as determined at the completion of Module II in a setting that is more of a "graduate course" and "clinical lab" than a lecture.

The use of improvisation, sculpting scenarios, stop action, and high instructor / coach to student ratios during skill practice make this Module a rich learning experience.

Workshops:       Return to Top

Special One Day Workshops by Arrangement

Designed to allow participants to focus on specific practice areas in conflict resolution and to provide participants with an opportunity for reflection and to receive personalized feedback from experienced trainer/practitioner. Videotaping of participants to enhance feedback is available. Minumum group of 4 required.

New Program:      Return to Top

Leadership Training Program

No prerequsite.

This two day interactive leadership course provides participants with the opportunity to understand the basics about leadership including the “PACT” (Practice, Awareness, Commitment and Trust). Together we will explore the triple “A” of leadership (Accountability, Authenticity and Action) to enable participants to begin their leadership journey. Our goal is to ensure that participants understand the fundamental principles and concepts of leadership, explore leadership styles, and receive a thorough grounding in the essential elements of performance analysis. Above all, participants will have fun discovering their true selves, evaluating their own leadership style, shifting mind sets and emerging as leaders who can lead from wherever they are and not just from a specific station in life.

See our Leadership Training Program page for more information.