Intro to the Top Ten Tips...

Each month, Tim posts his 'Top Ten Tips' for HR practitioners on various subjects. This month's subject is 'Settling post-termination disputes...mutual gains'. A list of subjects for forthcoming months and links to previous subjects can be found at the bottom of this page.

Whether you are an employer or employee, orient your head towards what can be achieved with goodwill and no acrimony. Be sure you've read any relevant 'Collective Bargaining Agreement' and 'Employment Standards';

Resist the temptation to 'get mad and get even'..too much energy can be wasted;

Seek opinions from trusted friends and advisors before committing to any course of action;

Be prepared to listen carefully, especially to things you may not want to hear about the merits of your position;

Be wary of any advisor who promises a big settlement...it rarely happens unless the employer is proven particularly unprofessional and demeaning in its behaviour;

Think of the future and much less about the past;

Consider 'alternate dispute mechanisms' such as Mediation...they have the potential to resolve matters more quickly and less expensively than other litigious approaches;

List the items you think you must get and those which are negotiable...keep refining the list and write down why;

Look for the more tax-effective settlement options, rather than strictly cash;

Remember... any difficulty need only be temporary unless either party is forced to 'dig in' because of the other's attitude.

Timetable 2000 ... Top Ten Tips

Month	Subject
March	Interpersonal Conflict in the Workplace
April	Harassment in the Workplace...practical considerations
May	360° Feedback...is it right for you?
June	Settling post-termination disputes; mutual gains
July	Business Planning in HR...how to flex HR's muscle
August	Grievance management in unionized and non-unionized workplaces
September	Key Lessons in 'Downsizing'...maintaining business & employee relationships under difficult circumstances