Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
Ten Steps to a Successful Mediation Program
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(Summary of most important "Lessons Learned" from the VHA ADR Mediation Handbook) 1. Must have "trust" from all stakeholders before you can achieve "buy-in". 2. "Trust" is earned by involving employees, supervisors, managers and labor partners in the design and implementation process. 3. Invest in significant awareness training for your management and labor leaders prior to designing and implementing a program. 4. Ensure your management and labor leaders have a thorough understanding and acceptance of alternative dispute resolution principles and the resulting benefits to the organization and to individuals involved in the disputes. 5. Involve all your stakeholders (employees, supervisors, labor, managers, etc) in program design, development, implementation, and evaluation. 6. Identify the unique needs and priorities of your organization and consider these in your program design, implementation and evaluation, e.g. whether your priorities are to improve employee morale, reduce formal complaints, reduce supervisory stress and attrition, etc. 7. Provide training to all levels of the organization on the principles of interest-based problem solving. 8. Ensure your mediators are well trained, skilled, and selected through a mutually agreed upon process. 9. Respect and protect the principles of ADR; confidentiality, voluntary participation, neutrality and ethical conduct of mediators, etc. 10. Establish mechanisms for continuous feedback, evaluation, and process-improvement; involve employees, supervisors, and labor leaders in the evaluation process. All successful programs require commitment and dedication! VHA Mediation Handbook available at vaww.va.gov/adrindex.htm
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