Conflict Resolution for the Real World - Melbourne

# Mediation for the Real World Melbourne

## A Hands on Workshop by David Smith

### Course Overview

What if the thing you want to avoid most at work becomes your superpower instead? Imagine this: instead of dreading your Monday morning team meeting because of passive aggressive vibes from colleagues, you can walk in ready and prepared, knowing you have a clear understanding of how to help those colleagues turn workplace friction into productive growth.

Fledgling, Melbourne born and bred professionals who are fed up of pussyfooting around workplace conflict and want to start resolving it instead! Unlike typical corporate training, which is theory based, this course provides you with real, practical tools that you can use on the floor of an Australian workplace right now.

Workshop, role play and practical case studies from Melbourne's Business community all contribute to building participant's confidence and capability in dealing with conflict. This is not about avoiding hard conversations with others; it's about becoming proficient at them.

### Curriculum Based Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

**Foundation Skills:**

Spot signs early of workplace conflict to avoid an eruption

Show active listening skills to defuse tense moments

Use emotional regulation techniques to maintain tact when under pressure

**Intervention Techniques:**

Embrace difficult conversations to foster progress between opposing sides

Apply methodical problem solving techniques to heated arguments

Use communication techniques that suit particular personalities

**Advanced Applications:**

Develop and implement programs to prevent conflict throughout the team

Coach colleagues through interpersonal challenges

Re create and strengthen professional relationships in the wake of conflict

**Leadership Integration:**

Establish psychological safety to minimise destructive conflict and focus on acts

Strike a balance between the needs of individuals and the goals of the team in disputes

Establish organisational policies to aid as strengthening prevention initiatives

### What You Will Learn

**Session 1: Conflict Dynamics** Have you ever had the thought why some disagreements never seem to resolve and they just seem to get bigger, and others you get to a brilliant solution? You'll dissect workplace conflict, and learn to recognise the differences between helpful tension and harmful fights. You will learn conflict triggers that are unique to Australian workplace culture, through targeted case studies of Melbourne organisations, you will learn a tool to assess your personal conflict style and improve in managing conflict at work.

**Session 2: The Art of De escalation** As tensions rise and voices grow loud, to whom do we turn for steady, calm leadership? You'll learn verbal and non verbal de escalation, explore the strategic use of questions that get to the root cause and understand the timing sequences required for effective intervention. Real life examples in local Business will help to contextualise these vital skills.

**Session 3: Facilitated Conversations** What is it about successful mediators that differentiates them from sincere friends who end up making things worse? You'll be taught structured conversational frameworks, be trained in the use of neutral language and how to manage power dynamics in conversations. Scenarios with feedback to help you learn how to manage conflict on the spot.

**Session 4: Mastering the Difficult Conversation** Why do most of us hate feedback and avoid it until we have no choice because the things have turned into crisis situations? In this session we share proactive communications strategies, how to deliver constructive feedback, and how to approach difficult subjects without losing the relationship. You will learn scripts and frameworks for typical workplace situations.

**Session 5: (Contention is Tension) Reconciliation and Prevention** How do the master practitioners shift past enemies into future co workers? You will learn how to repair relationships, develop a highly functioning team and have a conflict prevention system in place. This session covers creating action steps to apply new skills in your place of work.

**Session 6: Advanced Applications and Integration** What does expertise in conflict resolution look like in real life? This session explores handling of complex disputes involving multiple parties, cross cultural considerations around conflicts for Melbourne's multicultural workplace and coaching others on conflict resolution.

### Course Summary

This six session intensive program changes the way Melbourne professionals manage conflict at work. Instead of thinking of the difference as something to be afraid of or eschewed, alumni learn that it is a gift that allows them to be more innovative, to deepen their relationships, and to strengthen the Organisation they work for.

You leave with a full toolbox of conversation starters, assessment tools, interventions and prevention strategies. More importantly, they gain confidence to quickly and professionally resolve disputes, leading to a more peaceful and productive work environment.

The programme is a fusion of David Smith's successful coaching techniques and implementation tools designed specifically for Melbourne based Business. Through safe experimentation, peer to peer shadowing and expert facilitation, they learn skills that increase their professional impact and live a more fulfilling life.

Conflict resolution skills you've invested in will pay off in the form of decreased workplace stress, improved team dynamics, better leadership skills and the pride of knowing you can tackle whatever ugly work based interpersonal issues come your way.