Non-Commissioned Officer Negotiations

As our missions continue to increase and manning decreases, the level of responsibilities we are faced with become more dependent on us working together. Airmen are not able to complete the mission single handedly, we rely on each other and our leaders for guidance and support. Module eight focuses on a leader’s ability to properly apply and practice effective negotiation tactics and skills. Knowing how to apply these different strategies is vital, as Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs) we are faced with ensuring we make the right choices when it comes to difficult decisions we are constantly faced with. Negotiation is a process involving two or more people or groups who have a degree of difference in positions, interests, goals, values, or
Mediation is an alternative form of dispute resolution that supports negotiations between two disputing parties (course 15). This is a skill that all leaders must include in their tool-set, possessing the ability to effectively facilitate conflicts and negotiations between the two disputing parties, reveal the interests that exist, and reach a mutual agreement or resolution is a must for any successful NCO in today’s evolving Air Force (course 15). As we continue to support a culture of diversity and bring different walks of life together, conflict will occur within our places of work. Thus is why, being able to properly mediate issues within sections, squadrons, groups, and wings is such a valuable concept to master. Being able to properly facilitate communication, promote a climate of understanding, and explore creative problem ideas will help in reaching a solution that will accommodate all parties involved. After I complete Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) I will apply the skills and strategic steps of being a better mediator. As manning issues continue to plague my section, and tensions begin to rise between subordinates within work centers and sections, I act as a neutral third party, utilizing interest-based techniques to