Collaborative Problem Solving Enhancement Workshop: August - October, 2006

During policy discussions and the collective bargaining process, the British Columbia Nurses Union (BCNU) and the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC) recognized the benefit of presenting a workshop to refresh, renew and refine problem solving and relational skills. This joint training session was intended to give individuals a common process and language to enhance joint dialogue.

The workshop was designed to facilitate the development of problem solving skills, how to identify problem solving challenges and to introduce useful tools to support joint dialogue. Attendees included frontline shop stewards and human resource staff as well as BCNU, HEU and HEABC staff and leadership.

The workshop objectives were identified through a collaborative pre-planning process and focused on participants being able to describe:

• How assumptions affect decision-making
• Consensus style decision-making
• How discounting affects relationships
• The purpose of checking out intentions
• The difference between thoughts and feelings
• The challenges and opportunities of cooperative dialogue
• How to start difficult conversations

Workshop participant comments:

"I learned tools to create a collaborative working relationship with the Employer".

"This is a tool for front-line people, as this is the area where most issues arise. It would also provide an opportunity for managers to see union stewards as people rather than the union steward who only brings issues/problems."

"Lots of useful information in a concise framework. Really like the fact that our partners were here! (BCNU). This is a very good start – lots can be built on this – common tools, common interests, build our relationship – good items to take back to our workplace."

"Was very upbeat, kept us interested and learning. Excellent idea with post-it ideas, keeps ideas flowing. Very interactive."

"Good strategies – mind mapping, expectations, good review of communication models, role play and tools. The presenters were positive and laced with lots of common sense."

"Great facilitators - obviously knowledgeable"

Condensed from participant evaluations completed after the workshop.