CPMS

Canadian Professional
Management Services

Workplace Conflict Resolution and Interest-Based Negotiation Skills

Workplace Conflict Resolution and Interest-Based Negotiation SkillsTraditionally, managers use the position-based model of negotiation to manage conflict; however, this simplistic approach creates winners and losers. In fact, mostparties involved perceived that they have in fact lost in some way and have been harmed through the conflict itself and through this process of “who’s right and who’s wrong.” Workplace relationships that have been damaged and mismanaged are extremely difficult to repair as the solution is now further complicated by the perceived bias of the manager. The real interests of those involved become masked and expressed in misguided actions,erroneous assumptions, and mistaken conclusions. As managers, we all understand that positive work relationships are critical to achieving individual and organizational performance goals; and therefore, there must be a better process.

In this three day program, you will gain the tools you need in order to use interest-based negotiations and conflict resolution techniques. Interest-based negotiation is a process designed to reveal the true and underlying interests behind conflict. Through this understanding, consensus building, mutual respect and win-win solutions can then be created. Employee morale,cooperation, and focus can be enhanced. In today’s competitive environment, it is absolutely essential to have a team that is cohesive and able to function at its peak so that it can drive organizational goals and objectives.

You will apply the interest-based model of negotiation to various scenarios including employee performance evaluations, management meetings, and the communication of organizational objectives. This model is applicable to all levels of the organization in both formal and informal settings and between individuals in group meetings, and in strategy planning sessions. The application of these learned skills to management practices will create a more productive, creative and performance driven team. You will emerge from this program with a toolbox fi lled with the best practices in the field of negotiation and conflict resolution for your employees, managers, and partners. Learn to transform outcomes, build lasting win-win agreements and enhance the performance of your organization.

Three Day Program Content

Learning the Interest-Based Negotiation Model
  • Separating your employees from the issue
  • Focusing on interests, not positions
  • Creating options for mutual gain
  • Insisting on using objective criteria
  • Understanding alternatives to a negotiated agreement
  • Anchoring the business relationship with interests in mind
The Seven Elements of Negotiation: Preparing to Negotiate
  • Evaluating relationships
  • Anticipating the underlying interests
  • What options are available for win-win outcomes
  • Understanding legitimacy and fairness
  • Developing commitment and buy-in to a solution
  • The power of interest based persuasion
  • Avoiding lose-lose methodology
Breakthrough Negotiation: Strategies for Overcoming Resistance
  • The five barriers to cooperation
  • Cultivating self-control
  • Resisting the urge to ‘fight or flight’
  • The five steps to breakthrough negotiations
  • Asking questions that reveal the root problems
  • Considering the negative consequences of maintaining status quo
  • Finding interest-based alternatives
  • Informal understandings and trust – The keys to success
Using Emotional Intelligence in Negotiation and Mediation
  • What is it and how to use it
  • Identifying the five core concerns in negotiation
  • Cultivating interaction skills in times of dispute
  • Becoming transparent, adaptable, and optimistic
  • Using your interpersonal skills to infl uence cooperation
  • Recognizing the need for change
  • Leading teams, utilizing EI
Five Steps of Mediation: The Interest-Based Conversation
  • Exploring the real issues that are at the heart of the matter
  • Identifying competing, complimentary and common interests
  • Brainstorming options for win-win outcomes
  • Developing the mediation process
  • Evaluating possibilities and options
  • Learning to come to consensus
  • Creating and implementing an action plan
Learning Core Competencies for Effective Management Communications
  • The ABC’s of effective communications
  • Understanding the four core conflict competencies
  • Learning what triggers conflict and creates competing interests
  • Transforming understanding and outcomes through active listening
  • Learning techniques for identifying and framing issues
  • Identifying and eliminating barriers to communication
  • Understanding and breaking through retaliatory cycles
  • Developing constructive responses to conflict

General Information

Why should you attend?
  • Small interactive hands-on programs
  • Role-playing and simulation of real workplace situations
  • Group activities, open discussions and case studies
  • Experienced program presenters who are leaders in their field
  • Practical content and information that you can use in your everyday work environment
  • You will not be pressured to purchase books or videos as all program materials are provided at no additional cost
  • Program satisfaction guaranteed!
Who Should Attend?
  • Managers, Directors, Administrators and Board Members
  • Communication Strategists and Media Relations Directors
  • Mediation Facilitators
  • Ombudsmen and Human Resources Managers
  • Business Agents, Shop Stewards and Union Presidents
  • Executive Assistants and Secretary Treasurers
  • Supervisors who are responsible for the performance of employees
General Program Information
  • Lunch and light refreshments are included daily
  • Program materials will be provided
  • Certificates will be presented upon completion of the program
  • Program is in session from 9am to 4 pm