Course info

Whether people sit and work side by side or have to collaborate from thousands of miles away, there will be misunderstandings, hurt feelings and conflict. In this course we explore some common reasons for workplace conflict and look at appropriate interventions and solutions to resolve them.

Some conflict is simple to resolve by understanding the impact your behavior or decisions have on others. Others stem from value differences which are much harder to bring to the surface and resolve. Of course, there are cultural differences, differences in style (very polite vs. very crude for example) and, unfortunately, conflict based on really inappropriate behavior.

After having been an arbitrator and mediator for many years, my personal bias is to attempt to resolve conflict in as benign a manner as possible. I much prefer mediation – except in extreme cases – to adjudication. This method is most valuable in situations where people can’t walk away and never deal with each other again. Not only do they have to work together – but so do their friends, co-workers and colleagues who no doubt have taken sides.

We explore interviewing and investigation techniques as well as alternative dispute resolution – consisting of Arbitration, Mediation and Conciliation.

This course teaches you methods with which to help your fellow employees resolve their workplace conflict.