Seminar: Managing conflict with colleagues
Cooperation and communication in teams.
Conflict occurs to varying degrees and frequency in most work environments. A conflict can exist on a purely factual level (task conflict), for example when stakeholders pursue conflicting objectives or compete for common resources. Conflicts can escalate to deeply entrenched personal battles (relationship conflict) that can seriously damage productivity within a company. Some companies struggle with seemingly irresolvable differences in identity and values (value conflict).
All conflicts, whether small or large, should be dealt with as quickly and effectively as possible in order to avoid unnecessary and prolonged loss of time and resources through friction, loss of cooperation and escalation.
Seminar objective: Participants learn about the different types of conflict that exist and how to approach their counterparts and the conflict itself appropriately. They learn not to shy away from conflict but to accept it as an integral part of cooperation. Participants acquire strategies for de-escalation, come to understand different conflict cultures and practice ways to return to productive collaboration.
The seminar comprises theoretical input with extensive practical exercises. Participants can also deepen their knowledge and practical skills using real material out of their own work environment.
Duration: 1 – 2 days, e.g. 9:00am – 5:00pm
Preparation
- Before starting the course, participants fill in an online questionnaire and receive preparatory material.
Contents
- Tuckman – model of team processes
- Rosenberg – non-violent communication
- De-escalation techniques in conflictual encounters and relationships
- Steps for reaching agreement and commitment
Methods
- Interactive group discussions – challenging scenarios, identifying sources of conflict, agreeing effective resolutions
- Group exercises
- Intensive practical role play scenarios
- Intervision
Handbook, quick reference cards and seminar service
- Detailed seminar handbook and handouts with exercises
- A5 quick reference cards as a brief summary
- Supplementary material and photographic minutes by email
- Support after the seminar: simply by email or using the Knowledge Blog – participants are welcome to ask questions and request tips after the seminar
Cameron Paul. Communication Skills Trainer and Coach. Cameron Paul studied German, French and Japanese in New Zealand, during his Master’s degree he specialised in translation into his native language, English. After completing his certification in the training of English as a foreign language, he worked in New Zealand, Japan, France and England as a trainer, finally settling to work for companies in Munich as an English trainer and translator.
For more than twenty years Cameron has worked freelance in and around Munich both as a trainer of individuals and groups and as a translator of training materials, manuals and various published books. His fields of experience include the automotive industry (technical and managerial development), the chemistry industry (diagnostics, biochemistry and silicone technologies), lighting and electronic technologies, software development for security systems, psychiatry and psychotherapy, white water training, guiding and safety.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in German, French and Japanese, Master’s degree French Literature and Translation, Various further qualifications in the field of training, group dynamics and personal development
- Training languages: English, German, French