#peacebuilding

What ADR Book are you reading?‘Rising Above Office Conflict A Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee.’

Published by Dr Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu

@Expert Views on ADR (EVA) Vid /Podcast presents #What ADR Book are you reading?

The idea behind this initiative is to encourage ADR Advocates, enthusiasts, practitioners and users or potential users of ADR to share ADR books they are reading or have read. The aim is to raise awareness of the benefits of utilising ADR to settle conflicts and disputes and make it a more widely recognised and utilised practice.

Currently, I am reading Professor Clare E Fowler’s ADR Book ‘Rising Above Office Conflict A Light-Hearted Guide for the Heavy-Hearted Employee.’

Excerpts from the book:

“ANGRY ESCALATIONS

Most initial interactions, even with an angry person, are fairly benign. The problem with conflicts is when they escalate.

Let’s say you ask the new intern to grab more creamer for the office kitchen. He comes in the next day with almond milk creamer, and you wanted half-half.  Not a big deal, right? You let him know, and the next day he grabs half-half.  Now you have what you need to make your coffee taste like not-coffee.

But then, he does it again. He comes in with almond milk creamer! Now, clearly, the intern has disregarded your request on purpose.

What an insolent, entitled little snot. You extended him mercy the first time? Let your wrath rain down!

This could be a simple little conflict, right? Ask him why, and maybe tells you that the rest of the staff appreciated the almond milk creamer. Maybe he actually bought both types. Or maybe he is really just dim and forgot. This could be a simple conflict resolved with simple conversation.

But it escalated. You felt like your wishes were ignored.”

I must say that Professor Clare Fowler’s book is an absolutely indispensable resource for anyone seeking practical solutions to address workplace conflicts or disputes such as discrimination, bullying, and harassment. The insights and strategies presented within the pages of this book are universally applicable and can help prevent conflicts from escalating or effectively resolve those that have already done so. Employers who have not established an ombuds role are encouraged to get this book. From personal experience, I confidently endorse or recommend it as an effective tool for tackling workplace conflicts head-on.

So, what ADR book are you reading or have read? Have you encountered any exciting excerpts or quotes from an ADR book you would like to share? Let us continue the conversation and spread awareness about the importance of Appropriate Dispute Resolution!

With my Nigerian accent (lol), Grab your copy now from Amazon! And with my not-so-British accent, Do not hesitate to get hold of this book on Amazon! And in an American accent, “This book is awesome, You all! Don’t miss out – grab your copy from Amazon!” 

I look forward to hearing your insights!

 

#pic #adr #whatadrbookareyoureading #eva #podcast #youtube #letsmakeadrgoviral #viral #books #challenge #vousparlezadr #conflictresolution #workplaceconflict #conflict #peacebuilding #officeconflict #clarefowler #disputeresolution #ombuds #ombudsperson #alternativedisputeresolution #appropriatedisputeresolution #nigeria #britian #usa #bullying #discrimination #harrassment #inclusivity #blog #blogger #blogpost #adrblogger #diversity #universityofbrighton #vousparlezadr #world #apple #audible #spotify #amazon #apple #google

ADR and Ombuds- A US Perspective with Elizabeth Hill, J.D, CO-OP (Video / Podcast)

Published by Dr Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu

 

Youtube Link

Podcast Link

 

I had the honour and privilege of interviewing Elizabeth Hill, J.D, CO-OP, on Expert Views on ADR (EVA) Vid / Podcast Show. She is the Vice Chair of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Dispute Resolution and the Associate Director at the University of Colorado Boulder Ombuds Office.

Before joining CU Boulder, Liz served as Arizona Assistant Attorney General, Assistant Ombudsman for the State of Arizona and Ombudsman for Apollo Education Group.

She is a trained mediator and Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner (CO-OP). Liz served as the ABA Section of Dispute Resolution Budget Officer and Spring Conference Planning Co-chair, as well as Chair of the International Ombudsman Association (IOA) CO-OP Recertification Committee.

She wears many hats, so I have left the link to her profile below: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-hill-b5b7408

Liz’s email address: Elizabeth.Hill@Colorado.EDU

You can learn more about three of the US ombuds/ombudsman models at the following websites: Classical/public sector ombudsman: ⁠https://lnkd.in/gGuWxuRU⁠ Long-term care ombudsman (advocate ombudsman): ⁠https://www.nasop.org⁠ Organizational ombuds: ⁠https://lnkd.in/gyKeSC6m

*****Ombuds Day is celebrated on Thursday, October 12th. The theme for 2023 is Ombuds: Diverse in Role.

Happy Ombuds Day in Advance!!!

In this series, we analysed the following questions:

1. What is an Ombuds or Ombudsman?

2. Is there a history behind or associated with it in the US?

3. Is there a difference between an Organisational Ombudsman and a Traditional or Classical Ombudsman?

4. Is there any measurable difference between the Cost and Time Frame for settling disputes or conflicts with Ombuds when compared to litigation?

5. What is the role of the ombuds in resolving conflicts within an organisation? How independent are they?

6. How does the role of an ombudsman differ from a mediator or arbitrator in conflict resolution?

7. What are the pros and cons associated with ombuds?

8. What issues can ombuds help resolve in a workplace setting?

9. How can ombuds maintain confidentiality while still addressing concerns brought to their attention?

10. What qualifications and training are required to become an ombuds?

11. What is the way forward for the Mass Advocacy of ADR?

Explore the podcast

#amazon #audible #apple #spotify #amazon #google #overcast

#adr #ombuds #ombudsman #earlydisputeresolution #podcast #interview #adrproviders #research #education #appriopriatedisputeresolution #disputeresolution #letsmakeadrgoviral #viral #vousparlezadr #peacebuilding #education #university #street #masses #awareness #highereducation #inclusivity #diversity  #scdtp #youtube #universityofcolorado #americanbarassociation #arizona #usa #us #nigeria #uk #world #uniofbrighton #esrc #trending #tiktok   #youtube #founding #education #street #awareness #workplace #tiktok #linkedin #achievements #selling #subscribe #shortvideo #shorts #viral #uniofbrighton #conflict #talkshow #tv #podcast #podcasting #viralvideo #OmbudsDay #OmbudsDay2023

UN- High Level Meeting on Pandemic Prevention & Presenting paper- Violence Against Women in Nigeria Post-Pandemic

Published by Dr Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu

 

Delighted to announce that I was selected by the United Nations (representing the Guild of Adjudicators in Nigeria) to present my paper on the Interventions Multi-stakeholder Panel 1 titled ‘Violence Against Women in Nigeria Post-Pandemic and attend a High-level meeting on Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response with the overall theme of “Creating and maintaining political momentum and solidarity for Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness and Response,” which will be held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on September 2023.

#unitednations #meeting #violence #women #nigeria #newyork #usa #pandemic #post-pandemic #pandemicprevention #vousparlezadr #letsmakeadrgoviral #whatadrbookareyoureading #adr #peacebuilding

ADR and Collaborative Law – A US Perspective with Professor Kristen M. Blankley

Published by Dr Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu

 

Looking forward to the interview with Professor Kristen M. Blankley on Expert Views on ADR (EVA) Vid / Podcast Show. She is the President of the Global Collaborative Law Council, Inc. (GCLC). She is a Professor of Law at the University of Nebraska and an adjunct/Affiliated Professor at Mitchell Hamline School of Law.

Professor Blankley researches in the areas of alternative dispute resolution, legal ethics, and the intersection of ethics and dispute resolution. She teaches Alternative Dispute Resolution, Advocacy in Mediation, Mediation, Family Mediation, Arbitration, Facilitation, and Legal Professions. She also coaches students in mediation competitions.

Professor Blankley is involved in ADR policy within Nebraska and as well as nationwide initiatives.  She was appointed a member of the American Bar Association (ABA) Section of Dispute Resolution Council in 2016 and chairs the Section on Ethics. She has been involved in developing ethics policies and standards in the areas of mediation & restorative justice.

 

Stay Tuned!

#adr #alternativedisputeresolution #appropriatedisputeresolution #disputeresolution #peacebuilding  #peacekeeping #collaborativelaw #mediation #arbitration, #familymediation #restorativejustice #podcast #research #highereducation #street #masses #interview    #massadvocacyadr #awareness #americanbarassociation #sectionofdisputeresolution #globalcollaborativelawcouncil #chair #president #letsmakeadrgoviral #viral #universityofnebraska #mitchellhamline #universityofbrighton #nebraska #minnesota #saintpaul #brighton #usa #uk #nigeria #world #vousparlezadr #ersc #scdtp #apple #google #spotify #amazon #audible #overcast #youtube

What are the factors that could influence the selection of an ADR Option? With IK Onuoma, SAN

Published by Chinwe Egbunike-Umegbolu
Abstract
In episode 5 of Expert Views on ADR (EVA) Podcast, two questions were raised, the first one was ‘what prompted the birth of the ESMDC’ and the second question was, ‘what could influence the selection of an ADR option’? 
I had the opportunity to discuss these questions with Mr Ikechukwu Onuoma Esq (Notary Public), the Managing Partner of Obra Legal, a lawyer with over 14 years of experience in Litigation, Domestic and International Arbitration and Negotiation. He is also a Chartered Mediator who has mediated over 15 cases at the Enugu State Multi-Door courthouse (ESMDC) since the inception of ESMDC in 2018 and an Editorial member board of the Enugu State Multi-Door Court House Journal.
We concluded that they are factors that would influence selecting an ADR option for both the parties and lawyers. However, there are motivational factors, especially for the lawyers, that would encourage them to embrace ADR.
Introduction
What prompted the birth of ESMDC?
We provided an overview that was centred on four (4) key points. They are as follows:
1) To enhance access to justice by providing an Alternative Mechanism to supplement litigation in resolving a dispute.
2) To minimise the frustration faced by citizens in the justice delivery process.
3) To provide a legal framework for a fair and efficient way of settling matters through ADR.
4)  To become the hub of ADR in the entire eastern region.
What are the factors that could influence the selection of an ADR Option?
In Nigeria, generally, three factors were highlighted that could influence an ADR option’s choice or selection. These factors are as follows:
1)  The mindset of legal practitioners, collaborative agencies, community and friends.
2)  Efficiency and speed in the justice delivery system.
3)  Finance for lawyers.
Given this discussion, another prominent question emanated on ‘what could motivate lawyers to tow the ADR path to ease the court’s burden?
Motivational factors for lawyers to tow the ADR Path:
Culture, Awareness and Career (CAC) were revealed as the three motivational factors.
Culture: Reveals itself in the sense that customary Arbitration already forms an intrinsic part of our culture in Africa. Validating the above view, Ikechukwu Onuoma elucidated that in the African continent, the ADR already forms a part of their culture; thus, a constant reminder of these would help remind the lawyers and potential users to opt for ADR.

For example, he revealed that ‘in the African culture they have the Obi’s, Baale’s, and the Emirs who otherwise act as arbitrators over the disputes between the parties.[1] Also, he exemplified the above submission by citing the famous book written by Chinua Achebe. He states, “We will find iconic scenes in his book Things Fall Apart, references have been made to families who have been brought to the Igwe, and he settled their matters.”He emphasised that ‘as a consequence, it shows firstly that the elements of Traditional African Method of Settling Disputes (TAMSD) –the parties submit voluntarily, which is the same element overlapping with ADR, the second is that the parties would accept the terms which overlap the ADR, – acceptance of the terms.

Finally, the parties be it the kinsmen or the communities, will also agree that they will be bound by the terms of that customary arbitration or settlements and sometimes, in order to be bound- involves some sort of oath-taking in their customary rudimental arbitration and exactly this binding nature of TAM flows into the same ADR now institutionalised, hence culture is key.’

Awareness: This is where the Enugu State Multi-door Courthouse comes into play. The director, Mrs Caroline Etuk, has taken advantage of the new terrain to create the new Mediterranean through campaigns and training.
Career: Most of the ADR matters done by lawyers will count or form part of the requirement for those who want to be appointed as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) or a judge. That would encourage lawyers to refer more cases and advocate or enlighten their clients to opt for ADR.
Some of the Feedback/ comments received for this episode:
Insightful session-Little wings
Very insightful session on ADR. I agree that awareness should be thrumped up. Culture is another element that should be progressively embedded in formal ADR processes for greater buy-ins, especially in Nigeria’s eastern part.-Justina Dillion
I just started listening to your podcast, and I can tell you that I have learnt so much about ADR.
Keep up with the good work.- Jude Oke
Conclusion
Hence we hope that all the points raised in this discourse should not discourage potential parties or the lawyers who are yet to embrace this scheme rather it should serve as a motivational factor or an incentive to embrace ADR / opt for ADR.
To hear the full version of this episode, click here.
Reference:
Chinwe Umegbolu, Dispensation of Justice: Lagos Multi-Door Courthouse (LMDC) as a Case study (Ongoing research University of Brighton 2018-2021).