Monday, August 9

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Wednesday, August 11

ATY-P2: EEO Mock Hearing

ATY3: FSIP Update

ATY4: FLRA Case Law Update 

ATY1-R: EEO Case Law Update REPEAT

ATY5: MSPB Case Law Update

ATY6: What Works, What Doesn't in Adjudication

ATY5-R: MSPB Case Law Update REPEAT

EEO3-R: A Practical Guide to Handling Claims of Hostile Environment Harassment REPEAT

EEO6: The EEO Professional in 2010: A Framework for Success

EEO7: 60 Reasonable Accommodation Tips in 60 Minutes

EEO1-R: All Four Corners of the Document: Writing Effective Settlement Agreements REPEAT

EEO5-R: Prejudice, Perceptions and Stereotypes: How They Affect the Workplace REPEAT

EEO8: EEO Counselor/Investigator Training

EEO2-R: Reasonable Accommodation and Telework: Best Practices From CAP REPEAT

HLE-P5: Whistleblowing: What It Is and Where It's Going

HLE-P7: Returning Veterans to the Workplace: Rights and Best Practices

HLE1: The 10 Most Surprising Principles of Federal Employment Law

HLE2: How to Build an Effective Labor-Management Forum Under the Obama Executive Order

HLE3-A: 25 Strategies You Must Know for Handling Leave (Part I)

HLE4: Lessons Learned: Successes and Struggles Implementing a Performance Management System

HLE3-B: 25 Strategies You Must Know for Handling Leave (Part II)

HLE5: Building an Effective Performance Management System

HLE6: Hatch Act, Technology and the 2010 Elections

HLE7: What Is Within the Duty to Bargain?

HLE8: Drafting Charges: Getting Them Right

HLE9: An Inside Look at the FLRA's New Arbitration Regulations

HLE1-R: The 10 Most Surprising Principles of Federal Employment Law REPEAT

HLE2-R: How to Build an Effective Labor-Management Forum Under the Obama Executive Order REPEAT

MGT1: The Anatomy of Distrust: When Trust Is Broken in the Workplace

MGT2: Legislative Update

MGT4: Workplace Friendships in the Age of Facebook, GovLoop, Twitter and LinkedIn

MGT5: Enough Already! Stop Workplace Bullying

Tracey Pilkerton Cairnie, President, CoreVision, LLC
John Settle, President, SETTLEment Associates, LLC

ADR3: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.
ADR3-R: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  1:45 - 3:15 p.m. REPEAT

Delve into the "questions behind the question." Learn how the structure, purpose and timing of your questions, emotional resonance, prudent curiosity, and the artful use of dialogue can open up rich possibilities of communication. This fast-paced, interactive session led by two experienced presenters will help you go beyond “what I hear you saying is” and explore new dimensions of how to use productive inquiry and dialogue.

Representatives from the Merit Systems Protection Board:
   Michael Bogdanow, Legal Liaison, Office of Regional Operations
   Brian Bohlen, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Thomas Lanphear, Chief Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Sherry Linville, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Stuart Miller, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Deborah Miron, Director of Regional Operations, Chief Administrative Judge
   Lynn Yovino, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office

ADR4: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

The Merit Systems Protection Board has developed a mediation program that encourages settlements so that agency resources can be used more efficiently with a successful result for all parties involved. Join MSPB representatives for a look at the dynamics and techniques used by the Board to enhance the likelihood of an effective resolution.

Linda Banks, Attorney, Office of General Counsel, Department of Defense/Navy
Joel A. Kravetz, Administrative Judge, Washington Field Office, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission
Lana Layton, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Field Office, Equal Employment Opportunity
   Commission
Donald J. Names, Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of
   Defense/Navy
Robert L. Woods, Assistant General Counsel, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, Department
   of Defense/Navy

ATY-P2: Monday, Aug. 9  •  8 - 11:30 a.m.

This fast-paced workshop will give you an overview and a "hands-on perspective" of the EEO hearing process through demonstrations of opening arguments, direct and cross examinations, objections, proffers, the introduction of evidence, closing arguments, and more. You'll leave this popular federal sector EEO exercise with guidance on each step of the process, plus practical tips to sharpen your skills.

Representatives from the Merit Systems Protection Board:
   Michael Bogdanow, Legal Liaison, Office of Regional Operations
   Pamela Jackson, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Wade Klein, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Deborah Miron, Director of Regional Operations, Chief Administrative Judge
   Sharon Pomeranz, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Alex Thompson, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office
   Richard Vitaris, Administrative Judge, Atlanta Regional Office

ATY-P3: Monday, Aug. 9  •  1 - 4:30 p.m.

For many, the MSPB hearing is a mystery. But it doesn't have to be. Here's your chance to observe an MSPB case from start to finish. This half-day workshop will illustrate practical aspects of the hearing, including objections, AJ rulings, direct and cross examination, and findings — giving you a firm understanding of how the MSPB hearing fits into the entire appeals process.

Veta Hurst, Acting Branch Chief, Federal Sector Programs, Office of Federal Operations,
   Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Veronica Villalobos, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission

ATY1: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
ATY1-R: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  1:45 - 3:15 p.m. REPEAT

Ms. Villalobos and Ms. Hurst will provide you with an engaging and interactive overview of the most important administrative decisions issued by the EEOC over the past year — in just 90 minutes. They'll cover cases involving disability, harassment, retaliation and procedural issues.

Representatives from the Merit Systems Protection Board Atlanta Regional Office:
   Thomas Lanphear, Chief Administrative Judge
   Lynn Yovino, Administrative Judge

ATY2: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
ATY2-R: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  9:30 - 11 a.m. REPEAT

During this session, MSPB representatives will address the most common errors made by practitioners when defending their cases before the Board. You'll walk away with practical tips for litigating before the MSPB, along with a list of dos and don'ts.

Joseph Schimansky, Executive Director, Federal Service Impasses Panel

ATY3: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

The new, full seven-member panel, which was up and running by the end of 2009, moved quickly to assure practitioners that it was ready to fulfill its mission and be an effective part of the federal labor relations process. But what is that mission? And what is the new Panel's guiding philosophy? Attend this session to gain insight into how the FSIP works, plus get an insider's overview of the Panel's most recent decisions.

David Eddy, Senior Attorney, Chairman Pope's staff, Federal Labor Relations Authority 
Deborah Gaydos, Senior Attorney, Member DuBester’s staff, Federal Labor Relations Authority 

ATY4: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

The Federal Labor Relations Authority is fully staffed with all three members and a general counsel. The members are actively and aggressively working their way through a huge backlog of cases. Get up to speed on how the FLRA has ruled over the past year with a review of key decisions involving numerous issues arising in arbitration, representation, unfair labor practice and negotiability cases . . . all in just 90 minutes!

Michael Bogdanow, Legal Liaison, Office of Regional Operations, Merit Systems
   Protection Board
Sharon Hall, Employee Accountability Group, Office of
   Personnel Management
Debra L. Roth, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.

ATY5: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  1:45 - 3:15 p.m.
ATY5-R: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. REPEAT
 
Appeal rights of contract workers, national security agency employees, reemployed annuitants, and veterans were at the forefront in decisions issued by the Merit Systems Protection Board and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in the last several months. Get an overview of these key decisions and find out what they mean to you and your agency.

Moderators:
Joel A. Kravetz, Administrative Judge, Washington Field Office, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission
Deborah Miron, Director of Regional Operations, Chief Administrative Judge, Merit Systems
   Protection Board

ATY6: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Do you litigate before the EEOC or MSPB? What are your concerns? What has worked for you? What hasn't? Share your lessons learned and find out what your peers are doing. For this "UnConference" session, you, as the attendee, drive the discussion. Take charge, exchange thoughts and experiences, and walk away with useful ideas.

Maxanne R. Witkin, Director, Office of Employment Discrimination, Complaint Adjudication,
   Department of Veterans Affairs

ATY7: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Are you one of the more than 350 million Facebook users? Recently, a Philadelphia Bar Association Professional Guidance Committee issued an ethics opinion regarding Facebook "friending." Meanwhile, a Florida state Judicial Ethics Advisory Committee ruled that the state's judges and lawyers should no longer "friend" each other. Ms. Witkin will discuss these cases and others that illustrate the legal ramifications of lawyers and judges using social media.

Part I — Changing EEO Law: GINA, Ledbetter and the ADA Amendments Act
Part II — Remedies: A Crucial Part of the EEO Process
Part III — Get Creative! Methods for Settling EEO Complaints at the Hearing Stage
Veta Hurst, Acting Branch Chief, Federal Sector Programs, Office of Federal Operations,
   Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
Tony Kaminski, Deputy Director, Office of Human Resources, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission
Joel A. Kravetz, Administrative Judge, Washington Field Office, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission
Allison Uehling, Esq., EEO Special Projects Editor, LRP Publications/cyberFEDS®
Veronica Villalobos, Director, Office of Equal Opportunity, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission

EEO-P4: Monday, Aug. 9  •   8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

This popular pre-conference workshop returns with brand new topics. Part I starts the day with a review of all the recent changes to EEO law, including the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and ADA Amendments Act. Then, Part II looks at the remedies available in EEO cases, outlines when each might be available, and provides case law to illustrate why particular remedies could be awarded and how to determine if they are appropriate.Finally, Part III gives you the tools, advice and information you need to resolve EEO complaints when the complainant has requested an EEOC hearing — straight from an EEOC AJ.

Meets EEOC annual training requirement for federal EEO counselors and investigators.

Linda Batts, Consultant, Public Policy & Labor Law, LLB Enterprises
Roslyn D. Brown, Strategic Human Capital and Public Policy Consultant

EEO1: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
EEO1-R: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  3:30 - 5 p.m. REPEAT

This interactive, hands-on session will use examples from cases to discuss how to craft resolution agreements that address all the necessary elements. Ms. Batts and Ms. Brown will provide specific guidance on how to develop agreements that are clear and enforceable. Plus, you’ll learn from others' mistakes as the speakers walk you through an analysis of breached settlements.

Dinah Cohen, Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program,
   Department of Defense
Sharon Terrell-Lindsay, Partnership Coordinator, Computer/Electronic Accommodations
   Program, Department of Defense

EEO2: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
EEO2-R: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. REPEAT

As agencies seek to provide more flexibility to attract employees, the issue of telework keeps coming to the forefront. Meanwhile, President Obama established a telejobs workgroup to develop best practice telework programs throughout the federal government, and the Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP) is part of the workgroup. Ms. Cohen and Ms. Terrell-Lindsay will review policies for accommodating teleworking employees with disabilities, highlight CAP accommodations for teleworkers, and discuss accommodations for wounded service members.

Shari Goodman-Berry, Staff Attorney, Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint
   Adjudication, Department of Veterans Affairs
Donald B. Weber, Staff Attorney, Office of Employment Discrimination Complaint
   Adjudication, Department of Veterans Affairs

EEO3: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
EEO3-R: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m. REPEAT

Claims of discriminatory harassment are common, but hard to recognize. And, due to their factual complexity, they're even harder to frame in a coherent manner. Mr. Weber and Ms. Goodman-Berry will introduce key concepts and focus on the procedural aspects of handling hostile environment harassment claims, plus provide an orderly and analytical approach for resolving claims in your agency.

Oliver C. Allen Jr., Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, Department of Justice/Drug
   Enforcement Administration

EEO5: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.
EEO5-R: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  3:30 - 5:45 p.m. REPEAT

This thought-provoking and interactive session focuses on the concepts of prejudice and discrimination through lecture, DVD scenarios, simulated exercises and group participation. You'll learn the role perception plays in the filing of EEO complaints and how to use that knowledge to better handle conflict.

Junish Arora, Senior EEO Manager, Department of Homeland Security
Linda Batts, Consultant, Public Policy & Labor Law, LLB Enterprises
Delia Johnson, Director, Office of Civil Rights, International Broadcasting Bureau

EEO6: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Over the years, the EEO profession has grown beyond complaints processing to include diversity and dispute resolution. What does the future hold for this profession? What will it take to have a successful EEO program? The speakers will review the key EEO competencies for professional development, plus teach you the skills needed to build partnerships, take a more balanced approach to proactive prevention and strategic enforcement, develop better customer service, as well as ensure that your EEO program is integrated with your agency's mission.

Dinah Cohen, Director, Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program,
   Department of Defense
Kendra Duckworth, Disability Program Manager, Equal Employment
   Opportunity Commission
Delia Johnson, Director, Office of Civil Rights, International Broadcasting Bureau
Donald J. Names, Counsel, Office of Civilian Human Resources, Department of
   Defense/Navy

EEO7: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  1:45 - 3:15 p.m.

The EEOC's ADA Amendments Act proposed regulations confirmed the shift to a more "commonsense" approach to disability. The focus moves from assessing whether an employee has a disability to finding a reasonable accommodation. During this fast-paced session, four disability experts will provide you with 60 — yes, 60 — valuable tips that will help you more effectively accommodate employees with disabilities and avoid the traps that lead to costly EEO claims.

EEO Counselor/Investigator Training     Extended-day session! 

Gary Gilbert, Attorney, Director, Federal Employment Law Training Group
Ernest Hadley, Attorney, Director, Federal Employment Law Training Group

EEO8: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

This full-day training session — continuing even after the conference ends — will deliver a wide range of EEO knowledge, including information about the ADA Amendments Act and guidance on how recent EEOC Office of Federal Operations decisions will impact the EEO process. Federal employment law experts Gary Gilbert and Ernest Hadley will provide a thorough explanation of the informal and formal federal EEO processes, plus essential tools to help you write quality EEO counselor's reports.
In the afternoon, the session will break into two groups — one for investigators and one for counselors.

William L. Bransford, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
Shirine Moazed, Chief, Washington Field Office, Office of Special Counsel

HLE-P5: Monday, Aug. 9  •  8 - 11:30 a.m.

What will become of whistleblower legislation? How has the Merit Systems Protection Board ruled recently on whistleblowing cases? Mr. Bransford, FDR Program Chair, and Ms. Moazed will cover where the law is going and explain everything you need to know about whistleblowing, including the statutory definition, common misunderstandings, unique and specialized appeal routes, and whistleblowers' rights.

Steve Muir, Director, Labor and Employee Relations, Office of Human Resources,
   Department of the Treasury/Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
David Orr, Consultant/Trainer, Orr Consulting
Don Rider, Senior Associate, GRA, Inc.

HLE-P6: Monday, Aug. 9  •  8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

It's a new era in federal labor relations. Or is it? Three well-respected and experienced LR practitioners will walk you through a brief history of federal labor relations, take a look at the latest case law, and get you up to speed on recent changes in policy. Whether you're new to the field or looking for a refresher, you'll leave this full-day workshop knowing everything you need to become conversant in today's federal LR program.

Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates
James Read, Director, Office of Appeals Counsel, Merit Systems Protection Board

HLE-P7: Monday, Aug. 9  •  1 - 4:30 p.m.

The Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) creates a right of redress for violations of veterans' preference rights — and gives veterans access to federal job opportunities that might otherwise be closed to them. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) offers employment and benefits protections to service members, including the National Guard and Reserves. Mr. Read will outline the similarities and differences between the two laws and explain the enforceable rights under each statute. Then, disabled veteran and disabilities advocate Richard Pimentel will share his thoughts and guidance on how to best manage returning veterans with disabilities.

James Read, Director, Office of Appeals Counsel, Merit Systems Protection Board

HLE1: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
HLE1-R: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  3:30 - 5 p.m. REPEAT

This session is a must for all human resources professionals, labor and employee relations specialists, and anyone who represents parties before the MSPB. Mr. Read will discuss the ten most frequently misunderstood substantive and procedural rules applied by the Board, such as whether an employee's lengthy absence alone can support an adverse action and how using a government computer to forward an e-mail can get an employee fired.

Andrew Pizzi, Human Resources Specialist (LR), Department of Transportation/Federal
   Aviation Administration

HLE2: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
HLE2-R: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  9:30 - 11 a.m. REPEAT

President Obama’s Executive Order on Labor-Management Relations wasn’t the only change in the federal LR landscape over the last 12 months, but it was the biggest. It created a National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations and requires agencies to create non-adversarial forums to help promote better labor relations. Mr. Pizzi will provide you with practical guidance on how to get managers, employees and union representatives to create effective solutions for workplace challenges and problems.

Barbara I. Haga, President, Federal HR Services, Inc.

Part I
HLE3-A: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.
Part II
HLE3-B: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Maybe you feel confident enough to handle requests for annual leave or sick leave, but what do you do when that leave is being substituted for FMLA absence? Are you familiar with the FMLA provisions related to military service members? Do you know what documentation an employee must produce when he or she asks for court leave or military leave? And what are the ramifications of approving leave without pay? In this two-part session, Ms. Haga will review real-world examples of all the various leave situations to prepare you to handle whatever challenges come your way.

Seth Shulman, Director, Overseas Employment and Expeditionary Workforce, Department
   of Defense
Carolyn Taylor, Special Assistant to the Acting Comptroller General for Diversity Issues,
   Government Accountability Office

HLE4: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Find out what works, and what doesn't, from speakers who've been deeply involved in designing, deploying, evaluating and revising their own agencies' performance management systems. Ms. Taylor will discuss how, despite numerous safeguards, the GAO's system initially resulted in statistically significant differences in ratings for African-American analysts compared to white analysts. And Mr. Shulman, who is a member of a DoD working group, will discuss the Navy's interim approach to rating and rewarding performance.

Moderators:
Seth Shulman, Director, Overseas Employment and Expeditionary Workforce, Department
    of Defense
Carolyn Taylor, Special Assistant to the Acting Comptroller General for Diversity Issues,
   Government Accountability Office

HLE5: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Soon after taking office, President Obama said one of his goals was to pursue a performance management agenda that "restores the American people's confidence in their government." Who knows better what works and what doesn't than you? This "UnConference" session allows you, as participants, to direct the discussion. Take charge, share your thoughts and experiences, and walk away with guidance from your peers.

Ana Galindo-Marrone, Chief, Hatch Act Unit, Office of Special Counsel

HLE6 : Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

The 2008 elections led to a spike in Hatch Act claims. With the midterm elections around the corner, it's important that you know what you can do to ensure that you, or one of your employees, do not violate the Hatch Act. Ms. Galindo-Marrone will provide specific guidance on how to ensure Hatch Act compliance in this age of e-mail, Facebook, Twitter and other social networking outlets.

Steve Muir, Director, Labor and Employee Relations, Office of Human Resources,
   Department of the Treasury/Office of the Comptroller of the Currency

HLE7: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

What's the difference between "conditions of employment" and "working conditions"? What's meant by "covered by"? When must you notify the union of a change? Is there anything less than full-scale negotiations? Has the current FLRA expanded agencies' duty to bargain? Mr. Muir will answer these questions and more, plus discuss some of the unique challenges agencies face every day in determining what is within the duty to bargain.

Peter Broida, Attorney, Federal Employment Law Training Group
Sam Vitaro, Labor Arbitrator/Mediator/Fact-Finder/Consultant and former
   Administrative Judge

HLE8: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  1:45 - 3:15 p.m.

Drafting charges to be used in formal disciplinary actions has become a challenging and highly technical exercise. A seemingly insignificant word choice could have a major impact on whether a charge is reversed by the Merit Systems Protection Board. The pressure is on for agencies to get the charges right. Mr. Vitaro, co-author of the landmark text MSPB Charges and Penalties, and Mr. Broida, renowned federal employment law expert, will provide guidance on avoiding the common mistakes agencies usually make during the process.

David Eddy, Senior Attorney, Chairman Pope's staff, Federal Labor Relations Authority 
Deborah Gaydos, Senior Attorney, Member DuBester’s staff, Federal Labor Relations Authority

HLE9: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  1:45 - 3:15 p.m.

Find out about the soon-to-be released revised arbitration regulations directly from the Federal Labor Relations Authority, as well as information all parties — including arbitrators — should know about arbitration cases in the federal sector.

Mary Laverty, Chief of LER, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Don Rider, Senior Associate, GRA, Inc.
Joseph Schimansky, Executive Director, Federal Service Impasses Panel

HLE10: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

How well do you know labor and employee relations? Test your knowledge as well as what you've learned so far at the conference during this fun and engaging session. As an audience member or contestant, you’re sure to enjoy FDR's version of the popular, long-running game show.

Robert P. Erbe, Associate Legal Advisor, Labor and Employment Law Division,
   Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement

MGT-P8: Monday, Aug. 9  •   8 - 11:30 a.m.

To perform successfully, employees need clear objectives, measures and standards. Managers must document employee performance and offer ongoing feedback — and not just at the end of the year. If performance becomes unacceptable and doesn't rapidly improve, agencies must take action. However, if agencies don’t follow specific procedures those actions will be challenged, most likely by employee appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board. Mr. Erbe will provide guidance on how to foster successful performance and outline steps to take when performance turns unacceptable — to ensure your agency survives MSPB review.

Roslyn D. Brown, Strategic Human Capital and Public Policy Consultant
John Robinson, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Chief Diversity Officer, Department of State
Dr. Patricia Taylor, Chief, Intelligence Community Equal Employment Opportunity and
   Diversity, Office of the Director of National Intelligence

MGT-P9: Monday, Aug. 9  •  1 - 4:30 p.m.

Leaders, managers and supervisors must master the art and science of giving and receiving feedback effectively, especially at times when unwelcome messages need to be communicated. In this highly interactive workshop, attendees will rotate through “situation stations” of typical workplace scenarios — the poor performer, the employee who misuses government resources, the sexual harasser, the late-to-work employee, the chronic leave abuser and others — providing an opportunity to practice various feedback techniques. Plus, you'll get hands-on experience by analyzing case studies that focus on delivering and receiving difficult feedback.

Tracey Pilkerton Cairnie, President, CoreVision, LLC
John Settle, President, SETTLEment Associates, LLC

MGT1: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Is your workplace dysfunctional? When trust is broken, morale and productivity decline, negative behaviors rise and, depending on the level of betrayal, the workplace becomes toxic. This interactive, fast-paced session will give you a better understanding of the meaning of trust, how to build it and what you can do to rebuild it when it breaks down.

William L. Bransford, Partner, Shaw, Bransford & Roth, P.C.
Jessica Klement, Government Affairs Director, Federal Managers Association
Moderator: Mike Causey, Senior Correspondent, Federal News Radio

MGT2: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  1:15 - 2:45 p.m.

Domestic partnership benefits ... Mandatory supervisory training ... Whistleblowing ... Hiring process improvement … These are just a few of the important initiatives that have been or will be addressed by Congress. Attend this session to find out how these potential laws affect you — not only as a federal supervisor, but as an employee.

Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates

MGT3: Tuesday, Aug. 10  •  3:30 - 5 p.m.

Supervising in the federal government is a balancing act between managing performance, meeting goals and avoiding prohibited personnel practices. You're often guided only by agency practice and personal ethics. With dwindling federal budgets and the resulting stresses, you face more ethically challenging decisions than ever. Richard Pimentel, a nationally renowned expert on disability and attitude change, will take a revealing look at how business and personal ethics can be affected by workplace strains. Through a series of personal stories and case studies, Mr. Pimentel will provide you with the tools to make the right decision in the face of a challenge.

Jan Yager, Ph.D., Speaker/Coach/Author, Timemasters.com

MGT4: Wednesday, Aug. 11  •  10:15 - 11:45 a.m.
MGT4-R: Thursday, Aug. 12  •  11:15 - a.m. - 12:45 p.m. REPEAT

Is having a friend at work going to help you be more productive? When is a workplace friendship in everyone's best interests — and when should it be avoided? Should you use Facebook to stay connected with your co-workers? What about your staff? Ms. Yager will provide guidance for maintaining workplace relationships in a rewarding and balanced manner.