2026 Power Learning Series - The HR Mediator: Skills for Everyday Employee Relations Problem-Solving - Starting 11/9/2026
Includes Multiple Live Events. The next is on 11/09/2026 at 2:00 PM (EST)
Course Syllabus
Meet Your Instructor: Dr. Beatriz Conningham
Learners will
Overview
This comprehensive learning program is designed for Human Resource (HR) professionals to learn how to resolve everyday employee relations matters more effectively by borrowing techniques from the mediator's toolkit. This is not training to conduct formal mediation sessions.
Using motivational interviewing to get past generalities; how to shape commitments that are concrete, mutual, and durable; building in follow-up so agreements hold.
Learning Objectives - You will learn:
- how to discover surfacing underlying interests.
- how to apply active and reflective listening.
- how to generate alternative solutions.
- how to move from problem to solution.
- conduct behavioral interviewing.
- develop sustainable comments.
Program Components
Session 1
- How to recognize when an employee relations issue is a fit.
- The difference between positions ("what they say they want") and interests ("what they actually need").
- How to use active and reflective listening.
Session 2
- How to shift a discussion from being backward-looking grievance to forward looking options.
- Techniques for generating alternatives without imposing your own answer.
- How to test whether an option meets both parties' interests.
Session 3
- Using motivational interviewing to get past generalities.
- How to shape commitments that are concrete, mutual, and durable.
- Building in follow-up so agreements hold.
Please let us know if you run into any problems or have questions as soon as possible. We want to make sure you are to have the best possible learning experience.
All your course materials will be found on your course dashboard.
Course Design:
The course will be delivered over three one-hour sessions. You will receive details about the dates, times, and the URL for your course meetings
Time Commitment:
Plan for 1 hour for each online lesson to read, complete activities, and prepare for course meetings. Individuals have varying learning paces, so it might take more or less time for each person. We recommend completing lessons a day or two before the course meeting to allow time for reflection on what you've learned and the development of your plans. All course materials are included on your course dashboard (no textbook is required).
Meetings and Discussions:
- Course Cohort Meetings take place in Zoom Events – You will access them through your course "Content Tab."
- Course Discussion Board take place in Your Course’s Engage Community – You will access the Engage Community through your course "Content Tab."
Course Meeting Session Schedule (subject to change):
- Start Date: 11/9/2026
- End Date: 11/13/2026
- Meeting 1: 11/9/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
- Meeting 2: 11/11/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
- Meeting 3: 11/13/2026 - 2:00 - 3:00 pm ET
Certificate of Attendance: You will earn a Certificate of Completion upon completion of the course.
Cancellation Policy: Professional Development Cancelation Policy
Recertification Points: PSHRA-5 and HRCI-5