Page 227 - An Indispensible Resource for Being a Credible Activist

HR TOOLS

SAMPLE MEMO REQUESTING TRAINING FOR
YOURSELF AND OTHERS

On letterhead, in interoffice memo format, or via e-mail
To: Your Supervisor
(Include any others on this list to whom this memo should be addressed.)

From: Your Name
Date:
Re.: Request for NYSDRA Workplace Conflict Management Training for all Managerial
Staff
I request that all (Company) management staff attend the NY State Dispute Resolution’s
(NYSDRA) Workplace Conflict Management Training as their schedules allow, or that
(Company) retains NYSDRA to bring this excellent training to (Company).
This training does not just teach conflict resolution and introductory mediation skills;
this training teaches the four distinct types of conflicts that affect workplaces and what
can be done to prevent and effectively handle them, and also addresses common dys-
functional beliefs about conflict in general.
The training also addresses constructive and destructive responses to workplace conflict,
as well as how the organizational power and roles of those involved in a conflict have sig-
nificant influence upon how the conflict will be handled, which is very significant for
managers and leaders to be aware of.

This training addresses group conflict, interpersonal conflict, the costs of unresolved
conflict, and successful options for conflict resolution. This training would serve to
prevent bullying, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, workplace violence, and
entrenched costly unresolved conflict that can easily spread from individuals to groups.
I believe this training would be enormously helpful to (Company)’s staff among managers,
with managers and their staff, and that it could eventually be taught to all staff.
I have attached a copy of the materials from my attendance at this training last week.

SAMPLE GROUND RULES FOR A FACILITATED
DISCUSSION

One person speaks at a time and identifies the issues that are important for him or
her to discuss as well as what he or she views the conflict to be.

210 The H R Toolkit