Relationship by Objectives
Relationships by Objectives (Three Day Program)
Conciliation ServicesRelationship By Objectives Program focuses on reinventing the relationship through an objectives based process. It is designed to re-think the current relationship and develop a new one through in depth evaluation and analysis. Participation by all participants is crucial for this program to have a chance to succeed.
This is an intensive process whereby the participants agree a total restructuring of the relationship must occur. There should be buy-in from all major stakeholders and a will to change for the better. The program will produce an action plan based on concrete obtainable objectives at the conclusion of the sessions, to regenerate the workplace relationship.
Course Structure:
(Part 1) Introduction:
- Of instructors and participants;
- Overview of Preventive Mediation Program;
- Explanation of the program;
- Purpose and structure;
- Outline and stress the importance of participation.
(Part 2) "What do you expect of the RBO?"
- Teams break to their assigned caucus room; individuals take a few minutes to themselves to write down two or three central objectives they hope the RBO will achieve. This is then discussed in group session.
(Part 3) You Can't Negotiate An Attitude:
- This segment of the program includes showing a film with various adversarial labour relations situations outlined. This provides work groups with an opportunity to identify and analyze inappropriate interactions between supervisors and stewards. Groups are then asked to identify appropriate solutions.
(Part 4) "Step 1" List development in separate caucuses:
- The parties meet in separate caucuses to identify and list all the problems in their relationship. No solutions are offered at this time. Once lists are compiled they are typed for the next session.
(Part 5) Prepare for Joint Session:
- Review previous days listing and be prepared to substantiate what you've said in a joint session.
(Part 6) Joint Session:
- Each list is discussed in depth to ensure the parties are aware of the relationship problems. This gives the parties an opportunity for increased understanding of the other point of view whether the problem is real or perceived.
(Part 7) Consolidation of lists by category:
- At this point the lists are consolidated by category with emphasis that all issues are included. A review is then done either separately or jointly to ensure all issues have been listed. Sub-teams are then chosen for appropriate categories within each team.
(Part 8) Development of Action Steps:
- Developing action steps in the small teams allows each individual more input and is an expedient approach to accomplishing more work in a shorter period, allowing more issues an opportunity for in-depth study.
(Part 9) Ratification of Action Steps:
- Separate union and management caucuses present each action item and seek concurrence with their respective group, they may identify problems or overlaps which can take additional time to remedy. Once each step has been ratified, each caucus goes through the document again and assigns a participant to each step to monitor the progress of the step. This session makes the work of the small groups into the property of the whole group.
(Part 10) Exchange Responsibility Assignments and agree on time frame:
- At joint session the parties agree on who will be responsible from their respective groups for a particular step and an appropriate time frame for implementation.