Coaching Others Through Conflict

Formerly: Coaching for Resolution

Imagine a colleague, or someone that reports to you at work, or a friend coming to you to complain about someone else.  How do you respond?  Alternatively, imagine a conflict situation that you are not directly a part of, but which affects you.  Should you get involved in trying to resolve it or will your efforts be seen as intrusive and unwelcome? 

These situations are often awkward due to the conflicting desires of showing support but not being drawn into a negative dynamic.  Silence can be interpreted as rejection or unhelpfulness, but empathy can be misunderstood as siding with a party.  Either response could lead to escalating or complicating the conflict.   

This course examines ways of transforming these awkward situations into opportunities for coaching.  Coaching enables others to think more clearly and strategically about their concerns so that they can make effective choices and take action to address these challenges – instead of staying in a cycle of complaint.  Learning the coaching process helps people become more effective managers, colleagues, or friends as they learn to support others in dealing more fruitfully with conflict. 

Participants in this course will learn the importance of assessing conflict situations in order to determine the best response.  They will also practice the processes and skills needed to be an effective conflict resolution coach.   

When you're ready, here are a few ways to join us:

This course may be a good fit if you ever…

• want to help others think more clearly and make their own decisions in conflict
• play a leadership, support, or informal “go-to” role where people bring you problems
• find yourself stuck in the middle of someone else’s conflict and aren’t sure how to respond
• want to be supportive without taking sides or getting pulled into the problem
• feel unsure whether to step in or stay out of a situation that’s affecting you
• have tried giving advice, only to see the situation stay stuck or escalate

This two-day course provides participants with the opportunity to: 

• Understand the role of conflict resolution coach and to become aware of both its opportunities and limitations. 
• Gain insight into the areas in their lives in which they play the role of coach, as well as reflect on new opportunities to influence the resolution of conflict in collaborative ways. 
• Learn and practice key elements of the resolution coaching process. 
• Explore the effect of assumptions about conflict on their responses to conflict, particularly as an informal third-party. 
• Increase their ability to analyze conflict situations in the role of an informal third-party. 

 Here’s what the learning experience looks like:
• A calm, supportive environment
• Short teaching segments with practical examples
• Time to reflect on your own real-life situations
• Opportunities to practice new tools in low-pressure ways
• Space for questions, discussion, and shared learning

You won’t be asked to perform or share anything you’re not comfortable sharing. The focus is on giving you realistic tools that you can carry back into your everyday conversations.

About Mediation Services

Mediation Services is a community-based charity in Winnipeg with over 45 years of experience helping individuals, workplaces, and families navigate conflict.

All revenue from training is reinvested into accessible community programs, making it possible for more people to receive support when they need it most.

Our approach is relational, trauma-informed, and grounded in real-world experience.

When you join us for training, you’re also supporting conflict resolution resources for the broader community.