Conflict is a normal part of life – and contrary to the belief that conflict is a negative experience - it can be very healthy and a positive source of relationship building if handled effectively. Constructive conflict provides opportunities for us to grow as individuals and strengthen relationships: We gain a stronger understanding of our own ideas, feelings and sense of self; we learn to consider others’ points of view; and we learn a lot about our co-workers’ and why they are who they are. All of these benefits ultimately make for a better and more productive workplace.

This course is highly interactive, and includes a workbook, activities and assessments.

Audience

Anyone and everyone in your organization.

Course Format Options

This course can be taught in a half-day, full day or 2 day format. We also offer one-on-one conflict management coaching in person or over the telephone.

Description

This course covers the following topics:

• The benefits of conflict and handling it successfully
• Where the (in)ability to handle conflict comes from
• How your perception affects your conflict management skills
• Listening, reallylistening, in order to find solutions
• Solution-oriented language and communication
• Getting what you need by being assertive
• The five conflict management styles and how to deal with them
• Three approaches to conflict and when to use them
• Creating a positive communication climate
• Handling emotions during conflict
• Aggressive conflict: AKA bullying

Learning Objectives

After attending this course, attendees will be able to:

• Define conflict, the principles of conflict, and the benefits of conflict
• Understand the causes of conflict
• Develop effective listening skills so that positive solutions can be found when conflict arises
• Clearly articulate their own needs when in conflict in order to offer positive solutions
• Maintain professional communication during conflict and otherwise
• Describe their own conflict management style and develop an action plan to improve it
• Control their own emotions during conflict and assist conflict partners in doing the same
• Openly discuss conflict situations with co-workers in order to address and resolve them
• Manage conflict in a healthy, constructive way in both their personal and professional lives