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Coping With Conflict
and the
Art of Communication
Understanding, coping and resolving conflicts in our families, communities and schools.
A comprehensive one day seminar for counselors, social workers, educators, administrators, mental health professionals and parents.
Conflict when used effectively can serve to enhance important relationships.
What you will learn
This basic level course is a practical skill-building class utilizing role plays, exercises, discussions and trainer presentations to teach appropriate responses to conflict situations which arise in family situations, schools and in professional environments. It provides the opportunity to learn and practice conflict resolution skills. Topics include listening, using I-messages, empathizing and seeing another’s perspective, communicating and negotiating positively and effectively. Origins of conflict will be explored as well as responses to conflict. Methodologies in the five-step process will be covered. This interactive class will use role-play and effective strategies to gain an understanding of the process. This workshop is recommended for everyone involved in the implementation of conflict resolution programs and family preservation. It is also appropriate for anyone interested in learning more about and supporting the development in leadership and peer mediation programs.
Conflict Resolution (Mediation) is based on the idea that conflict has a positive value. If handled constructively, conflicts can have many benefits. It can help us to:
- Learn new and better ways to respond to problems
- Build better and more lasting relationships
- Learn more about others and ourselves
As individuals begin to experience the benefits of constructive conflict resolution and mediation, the gains will be:
- Communicate with one another more effectively
- Express themselves more clearly
- Listen more openly
You will also have the opportunity to improve their ability to solve problems and to think creatively.
Conflict occurs when there are differences within the individual or between individuals
or groups over resources, psychological needs, or values. Although many of us carry negative connotations about conflict because of family or societal messages, conflict in and of itself is neither negative or positive. Conflict can be destructive when it is not resolved or when it escalates into violence. Conflict can be positive and constructive allowing us to air and examine our differences and move forward by resolving them.
In taking this seminar, you are embarking on a task that is potentially very rewarding. It must begin with the belief that children and adults can develop a new awareness and a willingness to examine and change conflict behaviors. This interactive class will use role-play and effective strategies to gain an understanding of the conflict communication and mediation process.
Outline
- Introduction: Communication and Mediation Strategies
- Peacemaker or Conflict Escalator
- How do you “model” your beliefs regarding peace in the classroom, peace in your community?
- What we say is not what we always do.
Understanding Origins of Conflict
- What is this conflict really about?
- Understand Conflict, Nature of, and Origins of.
- Responses to conflict
- Principles of conflict resolution and peacemaking
Choices in responding to Conflict
- What choices exist in resolving conflicts?
- Utilizing soft, hard and principled responses
- Understanding advantages and disadvantages
Effective Communication Skills
- A/B Exercise Communication Pitfalls
Using “AEIOU” as a metaphor to Effective Negotiation
- Understanding the other point of view.
- Using attending skills to create an environment for two-way communication skill building.
- Using informing language to get past positions and to better understand needs.
- Explore feelings with open-ended questioning.
- Seeking common ground and reaching agreement
Choices in responding to Conflict
- Avoiding confrontation by focusing on issues that concern you.
- Avoiding placing blame
- Clarifying and making yourself understood
Effective Mediation Strategies
The Five Step Process
- Establishing parameters to effective mediation
- Gather points of view and getting to needs
- Exploring feelings, probing for answers
- Creating win-win situations
- Reaching Resolution
Conflicts emerge constantly from our perceptions of where we place value and importance in accordance to our worldview. Thus, the elements for the peaceful settlement of a conflict are found in the conflict itself. How one goes about identifying and understanding these elements is a key purpose of this workshop.
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