Time is a precious commodity nowadays. Even if you recognize the benefits of a conflict resolution training certification, you probably want to make sure that once you choose a program, investing the time and money will be worth your while. Certification programs are offered both in-person and online. Let’s look at some of the most important conflict resolution skills that are included in a great conflict resolution training certification.
Confirmation of a Conflict
In any workplace, there are disagreements from time to time, and not all of them require intervention from leadership. Conflict sometimes leads to increased energy that can be used constructively to solve problems. Effective conflict resolution starts with recognizing early signs of trouble and determining if and when a conflict needs to be addressed by leadership.
Ignoring conflict is rarely the best solution. A great conflict resolution training program helps you learn to grow in awareness of conflicts that are unfolding in the workplace. To recognize a growing dispute, learn to pay attention to body language and nonverbal communication. Learn active listening skills to confirm the scope of a conflict and get a clearer picture of the perspectives of both sides.
Communication Skills
Managing people, especially people in conflict, requires great communication skills. A great conflict resolution certification program includes training in a variety of different communication skills. When people are in conflict in the workplace, you may need to navigate challenging conversations when emotions are running high. This requires learning to manage your own emotions while not allowing the emotional reactions of others to get out of control.
You may also need to navigate challenges in cross-cultural communication, triggered by the mingling of people who come from very different backgrounds. Learning to successfully manage turbulent situations and difficult conversations takes time and practice. A great conflict resolutions training program is highly interactive, giving you an opportunity to practice these skills using role-playing while getting feedback either in person or using a webcam.
Collaboration
To resolve conflicts, you’ll need to practice promoting collaboration among diverse teams, a skill that prevents conflict from worsening. As a leader, you’ll need to communicate the vision of the company and the goals of the team, which means you may have to step in and point the team in the right direction. Invite those in dispute to collaborate and brainstorm solutions together.
The way you present yourself can affect how others respond, and you may need to practice projecting positivity and humor. Listen carefully to what others are sharing and communicate back to them what you’ve heard. This can help them to feel valued and appreciated.
Mediation
Some disagreements will become less intense once people in conflict begin to work on communicating with each other, but other disputes continue to intensify and worsen. Mediation is an important skill that can be used in managing worsening conflict. There are times you may choose to take on the role of mediator while other times you might want to involve a third party to make sure the mediator is completely neutral.
Conflict resolution training certification should include mediation training and practice including how and when to intervene and how to assist disagreeing parties to find solutions. Acting as a mediator requires you to remain objective and not take sides or communicate your personal opinions because this is likely to intensify the disagreement.
Conflict management is an essential skill for anyone in a leadership position. A great conflict management training certification gives you the skills you need to successfully manage conflict when it happens whether it’s between team members who report to you, peers or supervisors.
Reach out to Peaceful Leaders Academy for more information on conflict resolution training certification.