Conflict exists in all parts of our lives. It is a normal part of the work world and, when addressed in healthy ways, can be a key element in achieving a high degree of organizational effectiveness.

Conflict management means recognizing and addressing conflict so as to minimize disruptive behaviors while allowing honest disagreements, healthy debate and finding consensus when possible. To do this managers must understand what conflict is, realize when it is present, and then use a suitable strategy to work through the problems.

This workshop is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge about conflict and its management. It also provides a good preparation for further studies in conflict related subjects.

Workshop Participants Will Learn:

 What conflict is (and isn't)
 What causes conflicts
  The elements of conflict management
  Strategic options for conflict resolution
  Why conflict can be an ally
  What can happen if conflict isn't addressed
  Various conflict response strategies used today

Who Should Attend?
 

Those who wish to understand and manage conflict in their
  organizations.
 Human Resource professionals who must understand
  organization related conflict and strategies for dealing with it.
 Anyone who plans to attend other conflict related workshops.

Workshop Format
This is a highly intensive, highly participative, half-day workshop. Cramby River workshops are designed with the adult learner in mind, and provide as much experiential learning as possible. Didactic material is balanced with interactive exercises, including case studies that are based on real-world situations. In this way, important concepts are reinforced through active participation and relevant problem solving. Additional reference material is available to participants in the form of white papers, reprints, additional case studies and bibliographies.

Workshop Content
The Nature of Conflict

Conflict's Positive Side

Defining Conflict
 Disagreements
 Problems
 Conflicts

Workplace Sources of Conflict
 Organizations
 Resources

Our Usual Responses to Conflicts
 Avoidance
 Compromise
 Acquiescence
 Aggression

The Many Conflict Myths

Conflict Resolution Responsibilities
 Conflict Management Concepts
 Managers as Role Models
 Employee Interventions
 The Problems with Unskilled Interventions

Consequences of Unresolved Conflicts
 Costs of Conflict
 Organizational Disruption
 Customer Impacts

Conflict Resolution Strategies
 Negotiation
 Arbitration
 Mediation

The Importance of Communications
 Posturing
 Positioning
 Unconscious & Hidden Agendas