Productive Conflict

Conflict Conversations often involve a strong difference of opinion, high risk, and lots of emotion. Because of these dynamics, the conflict is often not addressed so the situation stays the same, or is addressed but done poorly and the situation gets worse. Our Productive Conflict Program develops the courage and confidence needed to engage in difficult conversations in a way that is respectful, candid, and productive.

Mastering the Art of Difficult Conversations

Do you ever feel like your difficult conversations are driven by one or both parties wanting to “win” and get their way? Does it seem like someone is strong-armed into giving in or compromising their point of view without even being heard? This program uses a methodology to consistently have productive conversations where both parties feel listened to and can commit to action toward a common goal. Program participants will learn how to:

  • Initiate passionate dialogue — step up to tough issues, share opinions and feelings freely and safely
  • Resolve disagreements and misunderstandings — address concerns quickly by talking respectfully, candidly, and skillfully
  • Reduce gossip and complaining — mutually share information and feedback in a way that enhances relationships and results
  • Speak persuasively, not abrasively — talk effectively about high-stake, emotional and controversial topics without causing defensiveness
  • Foster teamwork — involve the team in a way that promotes open sharing of ideas, enhances decision-making, and builds trust and engagement

Key Program Modules

  • Changing Our Mindset
    Fostering the willingness to have difficult conversations, realizing the cost if we don’t and the benefit if we do. Understanding how our “default approaches” of blowing up, clamming up, or amping up keep us from engaging productively.

  • Shifting to Productive Motives
    Making sure we have the other person’s best interest in mind, want to listen to and understand their perspective, and create a win-win. Recognizing our role in the situation and having empathy for the other person’s situation.

  • Managing our Assumptions and Emotions
    Realizing our negative assumptions can lead to disruptive emotions and unproductive responses and learning to check out our assumptions to strengthen relationships and achieve better results.

  • Utilizing the Productive Conflict Model
    Minimizing debate and defensiveness by starting with a common goal and inquiry, then sharing our perspective and committing to an agreed-upon action that serves both parties.

  • Putting It All Together
    Practicing Productive Conflict skills using real-life, customized scenarios to build the skills, courage, and confidence needed to engage in difficult conversations.

We have had Lisa Bouchard, Data Dome, Inc., facilitate several training sessions for our leadership development programs.  She has taught DISC and Productive Conflict to our leaders over the past 3+ years.  She is open to tailoring the training to be specific to our company which is amazing!  She is an excellent facilitator, very knowledgeable in the material, and engages the participants (even the most quiet ones) in the training.  Our leaders love her sessions and have consistently provided positive remarks.  They not only walk away with knowing/understanding more about themselves but also helpful, and applicable tools or resources to improve their leadership skills. 

 

Separate but not to be excluded is her support staff.  They are quick to respond, very helpful and provide everything we needed to conduct the training in a very organized and easy manner as well as timely.  It is a pleasure to partner with them!

Kimberly Gerdes

Vice President of Human Resources, Fabick Cat

Embrace Conflict Resolution

Tackle difficult conversations with confidence
SCHEDULE A PRODUCTIVE CONFLICT TRAINING SESSION