Prevent Conflict

Build your capacity to prevent the escalation of destructive conflict through
training and team development. 

TRAINING OVERVIEW (each session typically consists of two parts):

Part 1 –Understanding the Problem with Conflict
The problem with conflict is…

• We all have some conflict baggage
• We all have some out-dated beliefs and bad habits
• We often fail to truly listen
• We usually struggle to deliver feedback well
  
  

Part 2 – Understanding the Solution to Conflict (i.e. How to De-escalate Conflict Situations)
The solution to conflict involves…

• Learning from our past experiences
• Re-examining our assumptions and counterproductive reactions
• Honing our discipline to listen so that others will speak
• Enhancing our ability to speak so that others will listen

KEY CONCEPTS INCLUDE:

• Intent-Action-Effect (a model for unpacking misunderstandings)
• Role Renegotiation/Pinch-Crunch Map (a map for understanding the dynamics of conflict in relationships)
• Positions and Interests (a model for understanding and resolving disagreements)
• Communication Styles/Archetypes (a concept for understanding differences)
• Social Discipline Window (a model for understanding performance management)
• Strengths to Excess (a tool for understanding communication styles)
• Polarity Management (a tool for working with typical team tensions)
• Conflict Triangles (a model for understanding basic relational dynamics (including gossip))
• Navigating Conflict (a model for leading teams out of conflict)
• Understanding Contribution (a tool to assist in responsibility-taking)
• Anger Mountain (a concept for understanding the physiological/emotional/psychological dimensions of anger)
• Five Dysfunctions of a Team (a model for building trust on teams)

KEY SKILLS INCLUDE:

• Communication Micro-skills – listening and speaking (e.g. paraphrasing, I-messages, questions) 
• Perspective Check (how to unpack misunderstandings)
• Conflict Coaching (how to provide support to those in conflict)
• Leading from Centre (how to “show up” as needed)
• Delivering Feedback (how to minimize defensiveness)
• Setting Limits (how to set boundaries and say “no”)
• Dealing with Anger (diffusing, assertiveness and disengaging skills)
• Good Apologies (how to acknowledge when you’ve miss-stepped)
• Managing Defensiveness (in yourself and others)
• Mediation Skills for Leaders (how to help as a third party)

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CHOOSE YOUR SESSION DEPTH – THREE OPTIONS:

Every session we provide (whether it’s a one hour key note address or a 4 day skills training program) is custom built, based on the specific needs of our client’s particular, unique context and culture. 

1) Keynote (less than 3 hours, typically 1-2 hours)
Key Goal: to inspire (i.e. expand imagination of what’s possible)

• 1-2 key concepts
• 1-2 key skills

2) Half-Day Sessions (3-4 hours)
Key Goals: to inspire and educate(i.e. expand imagination and basic understanding)

• 2-3 key concepts
• 2 key skills
• Practice 1 key skill
• Individual reflection on insights and application to work/life

3) Full-Day Workshop (5-7 hours)
Key Goals: to inspire, educate, and equip (i.e. to expand imagination, basic understanding, and practical know-how)

• 3-4 key concepts
• 2-3 key skills
• Practice 2 key skills
• Active reflection (with peers) on insights and application to work/life

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Custom Designed Training

Team Renewal Sessions

“Very engaging presentation. Well-paced and good balance of staying ‘on-task’ and yet freedom to deal with the work issues that arise in terms of the needs/wants of the group. I got everything I asked for in this training! Staff provided me with very positive feedback about the two days. This was a great use of our time! Thank you!“
– Kirsten Andersson, Director of Labour Relations, Manitoba Nurses Union

“I really enjoyed this session and especially the trainer. He is a very smart man and an asset to your organization. He has tons of experience and he is well-educated as well as funny. I really enjoyed his style.”
– Jasmine Sheshka, HR Consultant, Great West Life