June 2005

INTEREST BASED COMMUNICATIONS (IBC) COURSE – JUNE 6-9, 2005

I attended the joint IBC course in Trenton, as a union representative, and it was, in my opinion very informative and interactive. The DRC folks in Trenton, Major Gushue, Capt Potvin, Martin Hankes-Drielsma and Capt Tim Brodie conducted the course.

The course primarily concentrated on communication and listening skills, utilizing various work related role plays, to afford everyone the opportunity to become familiar with the IBC techniques. Over the four days the course was broken various components of IBC. The first day being Theory, Introduction to IBC Techniques, Approaches to Conflict Management, Conflict Handling Styles, and the IBC model.

The second day we actually got down to work and in syndicates, we prepared and presented a scenario, which we role-played using IBC techniques. In each group there was the IBC user, the person with the conflict and an observer, as well as a DRC observer. After all role plays and scenarios, there was discussions as to how you felt you did, presentation of the observers point of view, and then class discussions in plenary. On day two we completed two (2) role-plays.

On day 3 in the morning two (2) more role-plays were completed, giving everyone an opportunity to utilize the IBC techniques, and/or be the person in conflict and an observer. Continuing on with day 3 after the first break, we then moved into facilitating. After going over the facilitation guidelines, we then broke into syndicates (each syndicate was with mixed giving everyone a chance to work with different members from the class); to role play trying to facilitate a dialogue or guided discussion between two people in conflict, followed by discussions and plenary.

On day four we continued with role-plays on Facilitation until after the first break, and moved quickly into referral. For this exercise rather than break into syndicates, it was conducted class style, first there was a demo between Martin and Mark Potvin, followed by discussions on referring someone to the DRC. Then there was an interactive classroom exercise where Martin was the person in conflict looking for some assistance and the class would jump in with suggestions utilizing the IBC Techniques, and Facilitation techniques to try and encourage him to go to the DRC. (of which we were most successful).

The wrap up of the course came with a panel discussion that included the Local President, Guy Parent from the Ombudsman’s office, the members of the DRC, Harassment Coordinators Office and the Wing Chief. The panel discussion was lively and very informative, and showed the level of cooperation, respect and commitment not only from management to this programme but to the unions’ as well, to try and resolve problems at the lowest level.

In my opinion the course was worth attending, as it definitely adds and builds onto the skills and techniques I obtained during the Interest Based Negotiations Course I attended, by applying more techniques and styles, and allowing for more role plays and interaction. Even if you haven’t taken the IBN Course this can only build on ones ability to communicate with others. As well as to encourage one to listen without trying to solve every problem, or subjecting your own personal opinions. This course compliments the Unions’ LET Course and Communications Course very nicely. I would recommend that other Base DRCs conduct the IBC course, and I would encourage, not only Local executive to attend, but National Executive, Local stewards and EAP folks as well, as this can only enhance their already advanced skills in IBC usage. I would highly encourage that all courses continue to be jointly conducted as this gives different perspectives between management and union.

Fraternally,

D. Nadeau
President UNDE Local 619/DVP Ontario