TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- The Tinker Alternative Dispute Resolution Program hosted their annual mediator refresher training last month at the Chapel Fellowship Hall. The training lasted two days and was packed full of interactive activities designed to hone and enhance the skills of every mediator regardless of their experience level.

They worked with Sandy McGruder of McGruder & Associates to provide this year's training. Ms. McGruder spent the last fourteen years as a course director, instructor/trainer and curriculum designer for the Air Force. Prior to her retirement in 2008, Ms. McGruder was also the primary developer of both the basic and advanced Air Force Mediation courses.

The training included a number of topics including: emotional intelligence, styles of mediation, types of mediation, mediation questions to invoke thought and a number of role play activities to test and enhance a mediator's skill and knowledge. This training was designed to empower the mediators with the necessary skills to help employees and management look at situations from every angle in an effort to create win-win situations and resolve conflicts.

The mediators gained valuable information not only from the course of instruction, but also from the interaction with one another.

Eight new mediators were sent to the Basic Mediators Course this year at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., that offered them the opportunity and the invaluable learning experience to interact and role-play with more experienced mediators.

The Tinker ADR Program provides training to its mediators who in-turn provide world class mediation capability. Finally, the men and women of Tinker AFB are the ultimate winners as a result of this training.

As the mediators apply their newly honed and enhanced mediation skills to help resolve disputes, Tinker AFB becomes a healthier, happier and more productive work environment.