What is Conflict Management Training & Why is it Important

Conflict management is all about recognising and handling disputes as well as difficult behaviour in the workplace. When it comes to workplace conflicts, conflict management training is essential. 

According to research findings by OSHA, workplace conflict results from different types of individuals trying to achieve different goals, perspectives and objectives. But even in the most divided situations, participants share one or two common goals, which is a point of focus for the best conflict management styles. 

Essentially, we all want to be respected, understood and have our needs met. When managers and stakeholders understand their employees, they resolve conflict and personality differences to maintain a safe and productive work environment. In order this achieve this, it’s important to make sure all employees undergo the necessary conflict management training. 

Content

1. What is Conflict Management Training?
2. Who Needs Conflict Management Training?
3. Benefits of Conflict Management Training
4. Conflict Management Training Course
5. Conflict Management Training Resources
6. The Bottom Line
7. Other Cloud Assess Employee Training

What is Conflict Management Training?

When people have different opinions, needs and expectations, they may cause conflict. To develop conflict resolution strategies, a training program is necessary for resolving conflict situations. 

An organisation would carry out a conflict management training program to teach employees different techniques that will enable the resolution of conflict in the workplace. This program focuses on strategies that will enhance the ability of participants to respond to conflict, deal with their emotions and use the best practices to promote positive outcomes.

This training helps in finding solutions for problems, promotes understanding and teaches how to collaborate as a team in conflict.

Who Needs Conflict Management Training?

All employers and employees of an organisation are in need of a conflict resolution training course. Because disputes may occur in the workplace and escalate rather quickly, it’s best for everyone to know how to handle these issues when they arise.

When employees, managers, C-suite executives and supervisors undergo conflict resolution training, they not only improve interpersonal skills that will help them in the office and their personal lives but it also helps them prevent conflict from escalating. Ensure your company has clearly defined policies on mediation procedures so as to manage conflicts using the same standards.

Conflict Management Training for Employees

Whether it’s an argument over gossip, or the same employee falling into trouble with the manager repeatedly, conflict in the workplace is a common occurrence. 

Conflict resolution training is the best way to help resolve and prevent workplace conflict. For employees, communication is the key to resolving conflict. It prevents escalation and enhances productivity. When organisations invest in a conflict management program for employees, it will do the following:

• Identify the common causes of conflict in the organisation 
• Discus conflict situations and find ways to de-escalate them
• Discuss how to create a friendly environment during conflict resolution
• Discuss how to respond to anger in the workplace 
• Develop conflict resolution strategies

Conflict Management Training for Management

Conflict management training for managers is more advanced than that for employees. This is because management is more interactive and caters to employees, clients, and offers support in any work environment. 

The aim of a conflict management program for this group is to offer a higher level of understanding by teaching managers techniques and strategies they effectively utilise in any conflict situation. The target audience for this training is managers who need practical skills and are focused on developing strategies that help in managing conflict in the workplace. 

By the end of this training program, the management will be able to:

• Understand the dynamics of a conflict situation and their role in managing conflict
• Identify their preferred style for conflict resolution
• Develop their skills in addressing existing conflict between employees and other members of management

Benefits of Conflict Management Training

A majority of work-related conflicts stem from strained relationships between employees. Ultimately, these conflicts will decrease productivity, restrict growth and hamper your business success. But with conflict management training, your organisation will enjoy the following benefits:

1. Addressing issues correctly so as not to waste time on disputes
2. Employees will learn to discuss rather than debate
3. Employees will set mutually beneficial goals, honour feedback, and eradicate biases
4. Inspires staff to treat everyone fairly and offer recognition at all times
5. Teaches staff to separate the person from the problem, and move on after a disagreement 

Conflict Management Training Course

A conflict management training course teaches much more than how to diffuse basic agreements. It prevents conflicts before they begin and maintains a safe and supportive work environment. With a successful training course, every team member will feel like they can express opinions and concerns and learn how to respect each other’s differences.

If your organisation is interested in conflict management training programs, then you’ll need to work with learning providers like Cloud Assess to go through the training modules and earn certifications.

Depending on your group and location needs, it might seem like you have to opt for either online or in-person learning. However, if you partner with a training provider that offers blended learning, you will be able to get all the benefits of both in-person training and digital learning platforms. 

What Does a Training Course Cost?

The cost of the training course will vary based on the service provider you use. Often times businesses opt to train employees individually, but this can end up costing more in the long run. The ideal solution for larger teams is to provide group training using an employee training software. 

Conflict Management Training Resources

When conducting a conflict management training program, you’ll need the following resources:

• Slides
• Workbook
• Exercises/handouts
• Trainer notes
• Specific course guidelines/agenda
• General guidelines on training methodology
• Course outlines
• Recommended reading
• Feedback forms and certificates of achievement

With these resources, trainers will instil knowledge, teach how to resolve inevitable conflicts, promote communication techniques, and identify problem areas. The exercises introduce a practical standpoint and real-life simulations of conflict while the trainer provides guidance. With the recommended reading, employees can further their knowledge of essential conflict resolution strategies. 

The Bottom Line

If you’re looking to conduct a training management course, our materials will make the process easier. Presented in an easy-to-follow format to explain all important pointers, models, and concepts, we will help you get the point across! Our blended delivery approach and coursework packages come with years of experience and have proven popular with learners of all types.

Want to put us to the test? Try free conflict management training with Cloud Assess.

Other Cloud Assess Employee Training

Why stop at conflict management? There are many benefits of an effectively training workforce and this all starts with providing additional training where necessary. Here are some more training courses available using our training and assessment platform:

• Competency training
• Manual handling training
• Bullying & harassment training
• Time management training
• PPE training
• Risk assessment training
• Emergency evacuation training