COM 1005 - Conflict Management in the Workplace
Description
Conflict is an inevitable part of working with others, but it doesn't have to undermine relationships, morale, or productivity. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical tools to recognize, understand, and manage workplace conflict before it escalates. Through self-assessments, reflection activities, real-world scenarios, and discussion, participants will explore the different types and sources of workplace conflict, identify their personal conflict management style, and learn strategies for addressing disagreements constructively. Drawing from the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model and the principles of Crucial Conversations, participants will develop the confidence and communication skills needed to navigate difficult conversations, strengthen working relationships, and foster a more collaborative workplace.Outline
HOUR 1: Defining Conflict in the Workplace
During the first hour, participants will be introduced to the many ways conflict manifests in the workplace, and how individuals typically respond. Types of conflict will be discussed along with root sources.
HOUR 2: Conflict Management Styles
Participants will engage with the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model to identify their default conflict management style. Through various scenarios, participants will discuss when and how to use different conflict management styles and how to adjust their default style to various situations.
HOURS 3-4: Guiding Principles for Engaging in Crucial Conversations
During the second half of the workshop, participants will be introduced to the principles of engaging in crucial conversations--conversations that occur when the stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run strong. These principles provide several practical tools participants can apply to difficult conversations with others in their workplace.
Program Objectives
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Recognize the different types and sources of workplace conflict and their impact on individuals and teams.
- Assess their preferred conflict management style and determine when different conflict resolution approaches are most effective.
- Apply the principles of Crucial Conversations to navigate difficult workplace discussions with confidence and respect.
- Differentiate between facts and assumptions to reduce misunderstandings and respond more effectively to conflict.
- Use practical communication strategies to foster psychological safety, strengthen relationships, and develop clear, actionable agreements.
Recommendations
We recommend this training for:
- Supervisors, managers, and emerging leaders who navigate difficult conversations, provide feedback, and address workplace challenges.
- Employees and teams at all levels who want to strengthen communication, manage disagreements, and build more collaborative working relationships.
- HR professionals, project leaders, and client-facing professionals who regularly navigate competing priorities, differing perspectives, and high-stakes conversations.
- Organizational teams experiencing communication breakdowns, unresolved interpersonal tension, siloed teams, change-related conflict, unclear roles or responsibilities, difficulty giving/receiving feedback, or avoidance of difficult conversations.
Dr. Kaley Klaus is the Interim Director for Professional and Continuing Education (PCE) at Fort Hays State University (FHSU). She holds a bachelor’s in communication, master’s in organizational leadership, and doctorate in higher education leadership. Prior to her appointment in PCE, she was an assistant professor for leadership at FHSU for nine years, where she taught courses in leadership theory and organizational behavior, assessment, and improvement. Dr. Klaus also currently serves as the president of the Association of Leadership Educators. Her areas of expertise include organizational behavior and systems and leadership development. When not working, Kaley enjoys spending time with her friends and family, as well as her chihuahua, Lily, and when she gets the opportunity, likes to travel long distances for new food and nature views.