Workplace Mediation Archives

0 6 Tips To Establish Assertive Management

Being able to communicate and manage in an assertive manner is a skill that takes practice and confidence. Here are some tips for your behaviour, that will automatically see you being perceived by others as a more assertive communicator. These tips will help you feel more confident and will support your resolve to continue to […]

0 Reoccurring conflict is not grounds for dismissal unless…

This item looks at what can we learn from a Fair Work Commission decision dated 5 December 2014. The case was Jacqueline Lumley v Bremick Pty Ltd Australia t/a Bremick Fasteners (C2014/5516). Reoccurring conflict between the same two parties may be grounds for dismissal if all reasonable steps have been taken to resolve the matter underpinning the […]

0 Workplace Mediation – the Benefit of Participation

At times we can feel overwhelmed by the frustration or hurt we believe has been caused by a colleague who has shown a lack of consideration, displayed inappropriate behaviours, used offensive language or is just not ‘playing fair’ as part of a team. Repeated small incidents plant the seed for workplace conflict. With no resolution […]

0 Mediation – Steve Wozniak’s words of wisdom to Steve Jobs

This case highlights the importance of mediation and one of the reasons for engaging the services of an independent workplace mediator. Steve Wozniak understood that issues for debate and confrontations are not black and white and sometimes we need to look at things differently. In an article written by mediator, Jan Schau, she refers to the […]

0 Effective Communications In The Workplace

Would you like your managers to communicate more effectively? 85% of conflict is not really conflict but issues arising out of poor communications. To minimise the occurrence of this ‘type of conflict’, we recommend managers are trained in the art of using a ‘precision communication’ model. Precision communication model A precision communication model aims to […]

0 Grievance procedures: should a complaint be made in writing?

A complaint or grievance should not be considered valid only when an employee puts their concerns in writing. It used to be considered ‘dangerous’ for a manager or HR to act on an informal complaint that was not in writing. Having seen examples of this in practice, I consider it more dangerous for the manager […]

0 Grievance Handling Procedures And Informal Complaints

With respect to taking notice of informal complaints and where they fit in the context of grievance handling procedures –there are three types of manager: Those who, when listening to staff, just hear comments but don’t consider them as grievances; Those who, when listening to staff, hear a concern and hold further discussions; and Those […]

0 Why Negotiation & Conflict Resolution Can Elude Us

When embroiled in a problem – there is usually something at stake – maybe something intangible like ego/pride, justice/fairness or something more evident like financial or material gain. ‘Having a stake’ in the outcome causes bias, limiting perceptions and therefore possibilities in the way options for solutions can be generated, considered, discussed and agreed upon. […]

0 5 Common Workplace Investigation Mistakes

Commentary by Elisa Walerys, WPCR Employee Relations Specialist Workplace investigations require a thorough, unbiased and procedurally fair approach. There are common mistakes made during all phases of the investigation process that can put the integrity of the investigation at risk. #1 – Not being responsive Taking too long to respond to a complaint can lead […]

0 It’s Not About The Nail – Empathy And Attention

If you’re wondering why the famous “It’s not about the nail” video on YouTube struck a chord with so many (more than 6.5 million views so far) this interview might help explain it.