Our franchise system has benefitted immensely from the IFA Ombudsman program. We had not used an ombudsman before and were not sure what to expect.

After working with our ombudsman, Sue Vandittelli, we wondered how we ever got by without her. Sue provides a calming, logical presence when issues grow long and complex. She has worked tirelessly to assist us in improving our communication with our valued franchisees. The ombudsman program is a tremendous benefit of IFA membership. This program alone makes our IFA membership worth the cost.

The process we participated in with the IFA Ombudsman program was seamless from start to finish. Our group had our specific goals and agenda before beginning, and we shared those with our Ombudsman. She always took great care to restate our concerns or goals so that they were clear.

Our guided interactions with the other party were also very streamlined, mostly because our Ombudsman took the time to make sure we were only discussing the issues on the table.
 

The timeline was a bit longer than we had hoped, but it was due to some timing issues on our end based on our business cycle. The outcome was in line with what we had hoped for and outlined from the beginning, with both sides making important compromises and working through our Ombudsman to achieve a great outcome. We would use this process again if necessary; it was well worth the time and effort.

AWR was the first service that I encountered several years ago, with the goal of offering support for workplace resolutions that occurred between our management level staff. The first occasion I used their services was for a seasoned team that had run into difficulties in effectiveness, problem solving and communicating as a whole and between one another. More recently AWR was a key to resolving conflict in styles between 2 senior staff using a combination of both mediation and coaching.

In both cases Sue carefully built a solid foundation of understanding of the perspectives of each person involved, and designed her interventions with the goals that I identified to her. I have been very pleased with the results, and specifically that the people involved have a clear understanding of how to reframe and can re-establish if difficulties start to creep back in. Maintaining the gains is a fundamental aspect of the approach that this company uses, and assures lasting value for money.

We received feedback from the organization that Sue Vandittelli's consulting sessions were helpful and informative and provided great insight into required behaviour of leaders that are often not considered.

Several Senior and HR managers provided feedback such as: “Thank you so much, I am hearing rave reviews for the fantastic job you did. It really helped us out. We didn’t think a solution was possible.

As I reflect on the work done with Sue, I am impressed with her honesty, respect and her constant focus on solutions. I have gained insight and self-awareness and feel privileged to have her as a coach.

Sue worked with me on advanced coaching techniques within the workplace. Her knowledge and skill helped me transform into a better leader. Her commitment and passion is evident in her work as she goes above and beyond. I have already referred someone to her!

I am grateful for Sue’s professionalism and support during a challenging time in my professional career. Sue taught me new strategies for working collaboratively with my supervisor and colleagues to foster transparent and honest communication. This helped me to regain trust and feel safe in my work environment once again.

Thank you for believing in me. I have written a few words about the coaching session but to be honest I could write pages and pages as I am forever changed by the experience. There are no words to describe how I have been changed. I hope our paths cross again.

What I gained from Coaching with Sue.

I have always thought of myself as a confident, mature woman, and a natural LEADER! However, part of me longed to be liked by all people. I survived in different roles, until I was put in a leadership role! I struggled emotionally and intellectually because being liked and leading are polar opposites especially if motives are driven by fear. Through coaching I learned to be authentic and not lose sight of the trust instilled in me by my organization. I have achieved milestones that I never thought were possible. Thank you Sue!!

Several leaders and employees have said

“My relationships with staff and my boss have never been so good and successful, thank you.

When asked by Sue if I would be willing to be fully open to the process of mediation, I agreed. I never would have believed the process could work so well with such a difficult situation. I was truly amazed!

Sue, thank you so much for your help with the mediation and return to work for our employee. Your experience and skills were well matched for this process and you were instrumental in helping everyone move forward. Thank you again for your compassion and clarity. It was a pleasure working with you.

Thanks Sue. Without your help with the return to work process, we would never have been successful - much appreciated.

Senior Manager said:

Not only did we get a solution but the communication skills I have learned from this process will be invaluable with clients, peers and my Board.

Sue, I know you are good but even you can’t resolve this employee dispute. I can’t believe we found a solution, you are that good! Background – roots of conflict -racial, intergenerational.

The employees are coming back and telling everyone there has been a miracle. I know the mediation is confidential but what can you tell me as to what happened. Background – one employee retained a lawyer and the family became involved due to a significant life threatening illness.

Thank you Sue. I honestly thought we were going to have to terminate this manager. The supervisor had tried everything and was very stressed. I can’t believe the difference in both of them. It is so helpful to have clarity around the mental health and what was required while respecting the manager’s privacy. Thank you again.

Thank you Sue. I honestly thought we were going to have to terminate this manager. The supervisor had tried everything and was very stressed. I can’t believe the difference in both of them. It is so helpful to have clarity around the mental health and what was required while respecting the manager’s privacy. Thank you again.

The workshop was excellent and very appropriate to our needs; some very helpful tips in prevention and effectively managing these difficult and complex cases. Both Sue’s facilitation style and the workshop content were received very positively by all who attended as was evidenced by the feedback I received. She was very welcoming and made the participants feel at ease and open to share their questions and concerns on such a delicate subject