Transforming the Argument
Practical Skills for Navigating Disagreement
Most arguments are not really about what people say they are about. Beneath positions are deeper interests, concerns, values, and unmet needs. Unlike conflicts rooted primarily in misunderstandings or unmet expectations, disagreements require a different set of skills focused on navigating differing beliefs, perspectives, and solutions. This course helps participants develop practical tools for moving beyond positional arguments to build understanding, find common ground, and strengthen relationships through conflict.
Â
Â
When you're ready, here's how to join us:
In-Person
1-Day, In-Person Workshop
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Location:Â 302-1200 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
$339
Â
Â
This Course May Be a Good Fit If You’ve Ever Found Yourself Thinking:
- “We keep having the same argument over and over again.”
- “Why are we so stuck on this issue?”
- “The conversation keeps becoming heated.”
- “We are arguing about completely different things.”
- “How do I disagree with someone without damaging the relationship?”
- “How do I say no without creating a bigger conflict?”
- “I want to stop reacting and start understanding what is really driving the disagreement.”
- “How do we find common ground when our perspectives feel completely opposed?”
About the Course
One of the barriers to effective conflict resolution occurs when people in conflict adopt hard-line positions as a means of meeting their needs.  This course is designed to increase participants’ ability to move themselves, and others, from fixed solutions to the interest-based resolution of conflicts.   Participants will learn tools for analysing the inter-relationship of parties’ interests and for addressing the range of interests in a conflict, whether they are common, different, or incompatible.Â
By the end of this course, you will:
- develop a deeper understanding of the concept of positions and how they are motivated by underlying interestsÂ
- learn ways to shift judgement to curiosityÂ
- understand and recognize the differences between wants, needs, and values Â
- identify common, different and incompatible interestsÂ
- learn ways to deal with incompatible interestsÂ
- learn how to say no, positivelyÂ
- explore theories of human needs and their impact on conflictÂ
Â
 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.
