Peace at Work

IS THIS BOOK FOR YOU?

If you…

• are in HR and are tasked with general or specific responsibility for the

management of workplace conflict

• need support and guidance about how best to approach the management of internal workplace conflict

• are ready to add to your toolbox a practical skill that fosters a more peaceful workplace

• want to make a positive difference in the world

…then it probably is!

My goal is to support you to successfully master the skill of workplace mediation. I want to make it easy for you to gain confidence in your ability to mediate. I want to share with you what I have learnt from working as a professional mediator with an employment and workplace focus. I am going to reveal all I know about resolving conflict as easily as possible, so that you can do it too.

I am also going to weave in what I have learnt academically while teaching graduate students the skills of conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation. For some time now, as part of my corporate training practice, I have taught HR managers the skill of mediation through the offices of the Northern California Human Resources Association. Although a book can never replace the learning that occurs in a classic training environment, my hope is to convey to you, through these pages, what I cover when training your colleagues.

I do not have to tell you how debilitating poorly managed workplace conflict can be. It can be especially difficult when you are directly involved in the conflict, but also when you experience conflict indirectly through your HR role. I want to give you the tools to do something productive about it.

Conflict does not have to be a headache. In fact, it should be seen as a sign of vitality; a sign that something needs to change within an organization. Having mediation as a tool can go a long way to support authentic organizational harmony and well-being. And if you are the one doing the mediation, you get the accolades for being a peacemaker!