We are delighted to announce that we have formed a group on LinkedIn called EEO and Diversity Professionals. We created this group as a virtual gathering place for EEO, diversity, conflict management (i.e., ADR) and human resources professionals to exchange perspectives and learn about the latest developments in our fields. The group is founded on the…
Category: EEO
Now Available: 32-Hour Online EEO Investigator Certification
We are very excited to announce that today, Friday, January 30th, our much-anticipated Art of Resolution 32-hour online Federal EEO Investigator Certification Course is available. This self-paced course meets all EEOC certification requirements. The course has a number of best-in-class features that enhance the learning experience and differentiate it from other online offerings. Chief among…
Investigating Non-Selection Complaints
In our last post, we discussed how to defend non-selections from a selecting official’s perspective. In this post, we’ll discuss this issue from an investigator’s perspective. Those of us trained as EEO investigators, are familiar with the shifting burdens of proof outlined in McDonnell Douglas v. Green. Of specific note is management’s burden to articulate…
Making a Bullet Proof Selection – Part 3
In part 1 we talked about recruiting for the best applicants; in part 2 we talked about making the right selections and now, in this 3rd and final part, let’s talk about defending the selection. By doing the work upfront that defines how the selection process will be handled, you have already laid the foundation…
Making a Bullet-Proof Selection, Part 2
Last week in part 1, we discussed the importance of having an accurate position description and the need for it to describe the skills needed to be successful in the position. The next thing I do is work with the manager to ensure a plan is in place that differentiates among applicants and to gets…
Making a Bullet-Proof Selection, Part 1
Those of us who have been managers (especially in the Federal government) have all been there—you make a selection and you hold your breath while you wait to see if someone challenges the decision. While there is no way to prevent complaints or grievances, there are ways to reduce your vulnerability if your decision is…
Investigator Tricks of the Trade, Part 5: 5 Essential Qualities Shared by Exceptional Investigators
There are many companies and agencies actively recruiting competent investigators with the tools to perform efficiently and skillfully with minimal orientation. So we asked ourselves whether there were specific experiences, training or skills shared by exceptional investigators. What we found most interesting is that regardless of whether an investigator works for an agency or a…
Investigator Tricks of the Trade, Part 4: What Makes a Good EEO Investigative Summary?
EEOC’s MD-110 gives a basic description of an investigative summary. They say it is “a narrative document that succinctly states the issues and delineates the evidence addressing both sides of each issue in the case. The summary should state facts (supported in the complaint file) sufficient to sustain a conclusion(s). The summary should cite to…
Investigator Tricks of the Trade, Part 3: Dealing with Difficult Witnesses
Anyone who has done investigations has encountered a witness who is reluctant, difficult, argumentative, or fill in the blank… It’s never easy, but being able to deal with the witness in a professional way that moves your investigation forward must remain your goal. Sometimes that is easier said than done. Here are some ideas for…
Investigator Tricks of the Trade, Part 2: Preparing to Investigate
“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.” ― Yogi Berra Imagine an experienced airline pilot not having a flight plan because she has flown the route countless times. Imagine beginning any home improvement project without even a basic project plan. Imagine having an attorney represent you in court…