In episode 125, Coffey talks with Dr. Robyn Short about workplace mediation as a constructive approach to resolving conflicts.

They discuss workplace mediation as conflict resolution tool; the cost of mediation vs. the cost of ignoring conflict; the role of HR in internal mediations; key aspects of a mediation program; what a mediation process looks like; preserving confidentiality in mediation; developing the skills necessary to facilitate a successful mediation; and how mediation works in remote work environments.

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About our Guest:

Dr. Robyn Short is an organization systems design consultant, peace-building trainer, and mediator with expertise in restorative practices and transformative mediation models. Dr. Short works with individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organizations in discovering the root causes of conflicts, so they may transform their relationships and create new and productive paths forward individually, as teams, and ultimately as an organization. She also works with community leaders and political and governmental leaders to develop initiatives for building sustainable peace in areas of historic conflict. In this capacity, she has been featured in news outlets internationally. 

As the founder of three organizations, Dr. Short understands the challenges founder/CEOs face when operating at the intersection of passion and purpose. She is particularly interested in supporting leaders in creating purpose-driven organizations that are able to harness the benefits of our diverse workplaces by embedding dignity into all aspects of the business. 

Dr. Short has completed Warriors for the Human Spirit training — a 60-hour training program led by Margaret Wheatley to support leaders in harnessing compassion and insight as they navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world. She is currently studying with Somatic Experiencing International to become a practitioner of the SE™ method — a body-oriented therapeutic model that helps heal trauma and other stress disorders. 

Dr. Short is the author of four books and has served as an adjunct professor at Southern Methodist University in the Master of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution program, the Master of Leadership and Negotiation at Bay Path University, and the College of Innovation and Design at Texas A&M Commerce. She is a frequent guest lecturer at Pepperdine University's Strauss Institute for Dispute

Resolution and Creighton University's Master of Conflict and Dispute Resolution program. Dr. Short holds a Doctor of Liberal Studies degree with a focus in peace studies and systems design. She holds a Master of Art in Dispute Resolution from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Liberal Arts from Southern Methodist University with a focus in 15th century European history. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Auburn University.

Dr. Robyn Short can be reached at

https://www.workplacepeaceinstitute.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/65553248

About Mike Coffey:

Mike Coffey is an entrepreneur, human resources professional, licensed private investigator, and HR consultant.

In 1999, he founded Imperative, a background investigations firm helping risk-averse companies make well-informed decisions about the people they involve in their business.

Today, Imperative serves hundreds of businesses across the US and, through its PFC Caregiver & Household Screening brand, many more private estates, family offices, and personal service agencies.

Mike has been recognized as an Entrepreneur of Excellence and has twice been named HR Professional of the Year.

Additionally, Imperative has been named the Texas Association of Business’ small business of the year and is accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association.

Mike is a member of the Fort Worth chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization and volunteers with the SHRM Texas State Council.

Mike maintains his certification as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) through the HR Certification Institute. He is also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP).

Mike lives in Fort Worth with his very patient wife. He practices yoga and maintains a keto diet, about both of which he will gladly tell you way more than you want to know.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the use of workplace mediation as a conflict resolution tool.

2.  Understand the key elements of a workplace mediation program.

3.  Create a plan to develop the key skills needed for mediators.