Conflict Management

Conflict is inevitable. Unresolved differences morph into complex, long-standing disputes that cause stress, damage relationships, destroy trust, hurt morale, and hinder productivity. Conflicts and disagreements get a bad name, but they are always a sign that change is needed, is coming, or has already happened. Developing a positive outlook and practicing these skills can make conflict less intimidating.

Conflict Management is the use of processes, tools, and skills to find creative and respectful ways to manage disagreements and disputes. It includes the ability to resolve conflict collaboratively through effective communication skills, such as active listening and assertive speaking.

Managing conflict is an art. It is something you improve on—not master. Individuals can increase their conflict competence through skills-based training, coaching, and having leaders who walk the talk. Direct intervention of conflict resolution practitioners can help organizations become more adept at addressing conflict and developing conflict competent employees. Successful leaders recognize the importance of these skills and the impact they have on their organization's health and productivity. They also know that the lack of these skills can lead to poor morale, decreased productivity, and low retention rates among employees. The cost of developing conflict competent employees is a fraction of the cost of unresolved conflict.  

Anyone who wants to become conflict competent can if they are open to new ideas and willing to practice new skills. We offer workshops that help individuals, teams, and organizations increase their ability to recognize and manage conflict.

Conflict management skills and tools are the foundation of many alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation, meeting facilitation, negotiation, and restorative justice circles and conferencing. Our Conflict Management Trainings can improve your conflict competence and increase your capacity to strategically address interpersonal conflict.

Before Conflict

• Recognize the types and causes of conflict
• Understand the five conflict management styles
• See conflict as an opportunity for change

During Conflict

• Be aware of perceptions, attitudes, and biases
• Manage emotions
• Use active listening and assertive speaking
• Distinguish a person's wants from needs
  
• Utilize collaborative problem-solving

After Conflict

• Build confidence and self-awareness
• Develop mutual understanding, trust, and respect
• Create sustainable solutions
• Repair and maintain relationships

Association for Conflict Resolution

Professional organization for conflict resolution practitioners.

Listening is the Key to Problem Solving (NEW)

The importance of listening and how to do it better.

Seven Steps for Effective Problem Solving in the Workplace (Mediate.com)

A quick guide to solving workplace problems.

Conflict: The Unexpected Gift (Mediate.com)

A video interview about mediation, conflict resolution work, and the book ConflictThe Unexpected Gift.

The Wisdom of Native Americans

Learning from the wisdom of indigenous cultures to aid in western ideals of conflict resolution.

The Conflict Skilled Organization (Mediate.com)

Tactics and traits of organizations that handle conflict well.

When Sorry Can't be the Only Word (Mediate.com)

The breakdown of a good apology.

Don't feel like you can do it yourself? Contact Kathy Murphy to talk about how we can help you.