Workplace mediation offers a rewarding path for both new and experienced mediators. However, traditional mediation models often fall short in delivering lasting resolutions. John Ford introduces a Structured Workplace Mediation approach that enhances the likelihood of success by integrating proven techniques from psychotherapy, organizational development, nonviolent communication, neuroscience, negotiation, conflict management, and mediation.
Who Is This For?
This program is designed for those with prior mediation training and experience:
Professional mediators looking to deepen their practice and financial viability.
Therapists, counselors, social workers, and other professionals interested in expanding into workplace mediation.
HR professionals, labor commissioners, and conflict resolution specialists who want to refine their mediation approach.
How the Training Works
This five-month interactive program is designed to provide hands-on experience beyond theoretical knowledge. The training includes:
Live Virtual Sessions with John Ford:
Sessions are held once a week for two hours to allow deep engagement while maintaining flexibility.
Recordings will be available for participants who need to review sessions.
Guided Peer Practice:
Structured partner and small group exercises to reinforce learning between live sessions.
Realistic Role-Play Scenarios:
Practice real-world workplace mediation cases to develop confidence in navigating tricky, tense, and emotionally charged interpersonal conflicts.
Direct Coaching and Feedback:
Receive personalized coaching and guidance to refine techniques in real-time.
Flexible Learning Platform – Ruzuku:
Course materials, discussions, and assignments will be hosted on Ruzuku, a user-friendly online learning platform.
Limited to 24 Participants:
o To ensure a highly interactive and personalized experience, this training is capped at 24 participants.
What Sets This Training Apart?
This isn’t just about problem-solving—it’s about empowering participants to engage fully and address past pain without derailing the process. Key elements of our structured approach include:
A Unique Orientation Phase: Prioritizing participant needs from the start to foster meaningful engagement; this approach moves away from the traditional legalistic opening statement most mediators are taught. Instead, mediators will learn how to lead an orienting meeting that ensures all parties are on the same page, understand what to expect, and receive just-in-time training to engage effectively in the mediation process.
The Acknowledgment Process: Mediators will learn how to facilitate a structured acknowledgment process that helps parties address past pain in a compassionate and intentional way. Rather than allowing unresolved emotions to derail the mediation, this approach provides a clear framework for reducing emotional charge and "clearing the air." By guiding participants through this process, mediators help them become fully present, reset, and refocus on the future they want to create.
The Empathy Set™ Advantage: Utilizing feelings and needs cards to promote deeper understanding and authentic conversations, this approach embraces Marshall Rosenberg’s principle that true empathy means translating any message—even from a nemesis—into the underlying feelings and needs being expressed. Through this practice, mediators cultivate deeper connection, even in high-tension conflicts. All participants will receive their own Empathy Set™ of Feelings and Needs cards to support this process.
Indexed Library of Mediation Clauses: Access a curated collection of workplace mediation clauses and sample agreements to streamline the drafting of clear, actionable agreements that support long-term resolution.
Single Text Negotiation Strategy: Learn to facilitate agreement by using a single, evolving draft that incorporates feedback from all parties, promoting collaboration and consensus.
AI-Powered Agreement Drafting: Discover how to leverage AI to refine mediation agreements, customize clauses, and enhance efficiency in documenting workplace resolutions.
Mastering Team Dynamics: Gain insights into team conflict resolution, psychological safety, and high-performance collaboration based on Lencioni’s Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Tuckman’s Team Development Model, and Senge’s Learning Organization framework.
Emotional Intelligence in Mediation: Strengthen self-awareness, empathy, and relationship management to navigate high-stakes workplace disputes with greater confidence and clarity.
Marketing Your Workplace Mediation Practice: Learn how to position yourself in a growing market and attract clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the program?
This is a five-month program consisting of weekly two-hour live sessions (totaling 40 hours of live instruction), plus guided peer practice and self-study.What if I miss a session?
All live sessions will be recorded and available for review. However, live attendance is highly recommended to fully engage in discussions, role-plays, and coaching. Participants who miss more than 20% of the live sessions (more than four sessions) will not qualify for the certificate.How much time should I set aside each week?
Plan for 2 hours of live sessions plus 1-2 additional hours for peer practice, reading, and exercises.Do I need prior mediation experience?
Yes, this training is for those with prior mediation training and experience. Applicants must provide proof of a 40-hour mediation training before final acceptance.How is this different from other mediation training programs?
This program is designed specifically for workplace mediators, integrating a structured, step-by-step process that goes beyond traditional mediation models. Drawing from psychotherapy, organizational development, nonviolent communication, neuroscience, negotiation, and conflict management, it equips you with the tools to navigate emotional dynamics, foster collaboration, and create sustainable agreements. Unlike generic mediation training, this course also includes AI-enhanced agreement drafting, a curated library of mediation clauses, and strategies for managing team conflict, ensuring you can mediate effectively in both individual and team disputes. Additionally, a marketing module helps you position yourself in the field and expand your practice.What technology do I need?
You will need a stable internet connection and a computer or tablet (mobile access is possible but not ideal for full participation). A working camera and microphone are essential, as active engagement in discussions and role-plays requires clear video and audio communication.Will I get a certificate?
Yes! Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their mastery of structured workplace mediation techniques. To qualify, participants must attend at least 80% of the live sessions and actively engage in course activities.
Demonstrate Your Mediation Training
To ensure all participants are prepared for this advanced training, applicants must provide proof of prior mediation training. Once accepted and upon payment, you will gain free access to John Ford’s Mediation Fundamentals for the HR Professional online course—a prerequisite designed to strengthen your foundational skills before attending the live training.
About John Ford
John Ford is a highly experienced workplace mediator, trainer, and author with over 30 years in conflict resolution. He has:
Mediated hundreds of workplace disputes.
Trained over 200 labor commissioners in mediation skills.
Trained hundreds of HR Professionals the skill of workplace mediation.
Serves as lead instructor for the open enrollment 40-hour mediation training at UC Law SF.
Authored Peace at Work: The HR Manager’s Guide to Workplace Mediation and A Dictionary of Feelings and Needs.
Created The Empathy Set™, a groundbreaking tool for emotional literacy and conflict resolution.
Testimonials from Successful Participants
“I just completed John’s mediation course, and it was incredibly thorough and engaging. The role-play exercises helped me apply what I learned immediately!” – Patrick S., Employee Relations Specialist
“This program provided me with the structure and confidence I needed to be an effective workplace mediator.” – Inna K., HR Business Partner
“The combination of structured learning and live practice made this training invaluable. Highly recommended!” – George O., HR Partner
These testimonials are from professionals who have completed other mediation trainings delivered by John Ford.
Certificate of Completion
Participants who successfully complete the Structured Workplace Mediation Training will receive a Certificate of Completion, recognizing their dedication to advancing their mediation skills.
This certificate signifies successful participation in the 40-hour structured mediation training and can be used to demonstrate your expertise to clients, employers, and professional networks, affirming your ability to mediate workplace conflicts effectively and confidently.
Secure Your Spot on the Waitlist!
Sign up for the waitlist to get in line for this limited-enrollment training. With hands-on experience, structured guidance, and expert coaching, you’ll master the relational mediation process and take your career to the next level.
Ready to elevate your mediation practice?