Neutral Services

RSO offers a host of neutral services to resolve workplace disputes, transform existing workplaces and integrate/reintegrate employees and components.  Mr. Rockenbach is a certified neutral who not only has mediated thousands of cases but has also trained hundreds of mediators.  He is skilled in facilitative, evaluative and transformative mediation.  He is the Co-author of “Air Force Compendium for Mediating Civilian Workplace Disputes”, Volumes 1 and 2 and Alternative Dispute Resolution - It’s Place in the Spectrum of Conflict Resolution”, The Reporter, Air Force JAG Corps, September 2000. He has also authored and edited parts of Air Force Instructions for ADR as well as Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). Rock is an experienced facilitator and conflict coach and has also provided early neutral evaluation and mini trial services.

Mediation is one of the many types of ADR techniques and is defined as:

A structured process in which disputing parties seek the assistance of a qualified mediator to help them in resolving their issue(s) in controversy. The primary attribute of mediation is the process in which the mediator assists parties involved in a dispute in the use of interest-based problem solving techniques that allow for resolution of their dispute. In order to reach a settlement, the parties are able to participate in separate and confidential caucuses with the mediator, where possible settlement options can be thoroughly explored."

The fundamental principle underlying the mediation process is self-determination. This means the parties must be free to craft a mutually acceptable resolution to their dispute. The role of the mediator is to facilitate the parties’ resolution of the dispute through the use of the mediation process; the mediator does not decide the case or dictate the terms of a settlement. 

Facilitation is the art of moving a group of people through meetings, planning sessions, or training, and successfully achieving a specific goal. Facilitation involves processes and expertise that help groups to function effectively, including how they talk to each other, identify and solve problems, make decisions, and handle conflict.  The facilitator’s role is to guide the group to work together more efficiently—to create synergy, generate new ideas, and gain consensus and agreement—and guide them to a specific outcome. Facilitators are catalysts for efficient and improved communication; they make suggestions, take steps to enhance the experience for the participants, and give suggestions; but do not do the work for the group.  Often facilitation is used to integrate or reintegrate new employees, merged or new workgroups or merged companies.

Many businesses and agencies are looking for solutions beyond those offered by traditional mediation and facilitation.  RSO has experience offering ADR modalities such as early neutral evaluation, mini trials, structured case evaluation and blended approaches.  Let us tailor an approach that suits your needs the best.