Mediators needed in ADR Program Office

Published Oct. 25, 2007
By Alternative Dispute Resolution Office

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Mediators are very special people. They are often good listeners with a very calm spirit who can remain level-headed when others are embroiled in some difficulty or turmoil.
   Tinker Air Force Base Alternative Dispute Resolution Office is accepting applications for Tinker personnel to become a collateral duty mediator. Collateral duty entails serving as a mediator over and above normal duties but is limited to not more than 20 percent of the time.
   "Through extensive training and experience, collateral-duty mediators become negotiation and communication experts with the ability to facilitate difficult discussions and ask powerful questions at the right time," said Terry Hirons, ADR program manager.
   Mediators must be able to transform other people's thoughts, desires and requests into writing, like a contract or agreement. They must also have a great ability for asking the right questions to help conflicting parties share information.
   Mediators are also conflict managers and problem resolvers in their own area of specialty.
   "This ability is what leads to meaningful communications, the resolution of misconceptions and assumptions and, in most cases, the settlement of the workplace disputes," Mr. Hirons said.
   One of the hidden benefits of a skilled mediator, Mr. Hirons said, is the improvement of working relationships and increased productivity even if the dispute is not settled.
   Mediators are not judges, so they do not necessarily need to know the intricate details that may make or break a case. They are skilled negotiators that must be able to work with all levels of management, all kinds of positions and situations as well as issues of cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, religious, age, color and national origin.
   They must be willing to be trained as well as take the initiative to stay current in the field and expand the boundaries of their expertise.
   Mediators are selected in accordance with AFI 51-1201 and the AFMC ADR plan.
   Mediators come from a variety of different backgrounds. Some are secretaries, aircraft mechanics, chemists, managers and union stewards. It is not what you do that makes you a good mediator, it is who you are.
   Each applicant will be scheduled for a panel interview and asked a series of questions to best determine their knowledge, skill and ability to become an Air Force mediator. If selected, mediators will be required to attend training at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. from March 31 to April 3, 2008. Training will be funded by Secretary of the Air Force General Counsel. After training, each selectee will observe actual negotiation sessions before mediating workplace disputes. Mediators will be provided with at least eight hours of continuing education training annually.
   If you are interested in collateral duty as a mediator or would like additional information contact the ADR Office at 736-2151 or e-mail terry.hirons@tinker.af.mil or kelli.anderson@tinker.af.mil. An electronic copy of the application will be provided and must be submitted to the Tinker ADR office in Bldg. 3001 post 1AD83A by Nov. 16. The application must be coordinated through the levels of management and contain original signatures prior to submission.