Ombuds Conflict Resolution Training
0 CE
This two-day class is open to ANYONE who wants to learn how to improve their communication and rapport building skills to avoid misunderstandings and conflict.
Q. What is the Ombuds Program?
A. The Ombuds program is a GAAR member-benefit that provides you and the public with a confidential low-level conflict resolution service. The Ombuds service is free of charge and has successfully assisted ‘visitors’ to the program (REALTORS® or the Public) by offering a non-escalating, off-the-record resource that gives timely answers to general real estate-related questions and explores options, approaches, and alternatives available to help visitors resolve matters without resorting to more formal channels.
Q. Who is an Ombuds?
A. An Ombuds is a REALTOR® in good standing who volunteers their time & skills for the betterment of the REALTOR® community; they aren’t advocates, legal counsel or judges…an Ombuds is a highly trained impartial facilitator who assists visitors in problem-solving. They do not judge an issue or tell people what to do! The result of an interaction with an Ombuds is ‘win-win’ outcomes that can keep a ‘deal’ alive, re-store communication, salvage relationships and can stop minor disputes from becoming lawsuits or formal ethics complaints. If you are interested in becoming an Ombuds, be sure to check out the information and application below.
Although this 15-hour intensive course is a required training program for those interested in volunteering as an Ombuds, ANYONE is eligible to participate. Through a variety of hands-on skill building modules participants will develop a neutral, informal, and flexible way to address a wide range of concerns. Topics will include:
- How to listen deeply and effectively
- Developing trust and rapport
- Separating facts from assumptions
- Filtering your own biases
- Neutral-but-empathic communication
- Facilitating dialogue and problem-solving
Information for Ombuds Volunteers (PDF) GAAR Ombudsman Application (PDF)
About the Instructor
Bruce MacAllister is the founder and Executive Director of Business Excellence Solutions. He holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry and Biology and a Juris Doctorate degree. He has over thirty years of experience working with people in conflict, and training and coaching people through conflict situations. He works nationally and internationally with a wide variety of clients, including national federal departments, research and development organizations, higher education institutions, non-profits organizations, and with individual businesspeople. He has been an ombudsman, executive level manager, project and program manager, trainer, and attorney.
Bruce has many years of experience as a trainer and was an adjunct professor for the Straus Institute of Dispute Resolution at the Pepperdine School of Law, and has taught programs for the New Mexico State Department of Public Safety, the Federal Office of Personnel Management, and many state and federal agencies. He served as the Project Leader for Leadership Training at Los Alamos National Laboratory, for 3 years, during which time he led the team responsible for developing and delivering leadership and management training for over 800 managers.
If accepted into the Ombuds program, Member will be refunded the $50 registration fee.