Conflicts are a normal and common occurrence whenever people live or work together. Conflicts often are based on misunderstandings, assumptions and unspoken expectations that lead to unpleasant situations for the parties involved and may touch upon innocent bystanders. Unsolved conflicts might lead to encrusted (working-) atmospheres that hinder the productivity of whole teams, departments and work groups. Dealing with conflicts is therefore one of the most important management and leadership skills.

In the workshop Preparing for Conflict, you will reflect upon how conflicts evolve and how they might escalate. You will learn to analyse situations that have a potential for conflict, understand the different options you possess to prevent, deescalate, handle and solve different forms of conflict.

Topics

• Define conflicts in a neutral manner
• Understand conflict cause/effect
• Conflicts in different forms - personal, interpersonal, structural
• The steps of conflict escalation
• Recognise different options of preventing and managing conflicts

Limitations

• This workshop will provide strategies how to prevent, deescalate, and deal with potential conflicts. However, it is not designed to deliver solutions towards acute and concrete conflicts.

Who is it for

• Anyone who is, or aspires to be, in a leadership position
• Anyone who would like to improve their competency in conflict management

Content/Learnings

• View conflicts from a neutral point of view
• Analyse potential causes for conflict and conflict escalation
• Understand how lack of communication may cause conflict
• Practice how to communicate effectively and constructively
• Learn strategies to deal with conflict on a personal level
• Practice techniques that you learn in this workshop and analyse these practice sessions
• Look at the positive side of conflict and see how it is a necessary path to personal and professional growth

Dr. Sabine Küsters, Institut for Internationale Kommunikation e.V.