CONDUCTING CONFLICT DISCUSSIONS
Addressing conflict constructively and maintaining productive working relationships
Conflict is a normal part of professional life — whether between colleagues, teams, managers, customers or stakeholders. Yet unresolved tensions, unclear communication and avoided conversations often lead to growing frustration, reduced cooperation and unnecessary escalation.
This practical and interactive training helps participants address conflict situations more confidently, communicate more constructively and conduct difficult conversations with greater clarity and professionalism.
Participants learn how workplace conflicts typically develop, how to address problems early and directly, and how to manage conflict discussions in a way that remains constructive, solution-focused and relationship-aware. The training places strong emphasis on practical communication techniques, structured conflict conversations, listening and questioning skills, and realistic practice situations.
Inhouse Training
Max. participants: 12
Length: 2 days. Can be delivered as a 1-day session depending on group size and topic focus.
Language: English or German
Other related seminars:
BENEFITS TO YOU
-
address conflict situations earlier and more constructively instead of avoiding or delaying discussions
-
communicate more clearly, directly and professionally in difficult conversations
-
structure conflict discussions more effectively and keep conversations focused and constructive
-
use listening, questioning and feedback techniques more purposefully during conflict situations
-
respond more confidently to defensiveness, resistance and emotional reactions
-
maintain professional relationships while addressing difficult topics and setting clear boundaries
COURSE CONTENT
Understanding workplace conflict - understanding how conflict situations typically develop, why tensions escalate and which communication patterns often contribute to misunderstandings, frustration and relationship strain in professional environments.
Addressing issues early and constructively - learning how to raise concerns directly, clearly and professionally before conflicts intensify or become more emotionally charged.
Structuring conflict discussions effectively - learning how to prepare and guide conflict conversations in a clear, focused and outcome-oriented way — from opening the discussion through to agreeing on next steps and responsibilities.
Listening and questioning in conflict situations - strengthening active listening, clarifying, questioning and perspective-taking skills in order to better understand underlying concerns, interests and communication dynamics.
Giving constructive critical feedback - communicating criticism, concerns and difficult messages more clearly and constructively while avoiding unnecessary blame, defensiveness or escalation.
Separating facts, emotions and relationship issues - learning how to maintain focus on the issue itself while recognising emotional reactions and preserving professional working relationships.
Managing difficult reactions and resistance - responding more effectively to defensiveness, emotional responses, avoidance, pressure or difficult behaviour while remaining calm, constructive and solution-focused.
Setting boundaries and saying no professionally - communicating expectations, limits and boundaries clearly and confidently without unnecessarily damaging cooperation or trust.
Playing the mediator in conflict talks - understading the role and according activties of a mediator when you are resolving conflict between other parties
Practical conflict exercises and application - applying communication techniques and conflict discussion strategies in realistic workplace situations, structured exercises and intensive roleplay practice.
METHODS
Highly interactive and practice-oriented, combining realistic workplace conflict situations, structured communication exercises, role exercises, reflection and pair work to support immediate transfer into everyday professional communication and cooperation.
TARGET GROUP
Professionals, project managers, team leaders and managers who need to handle conflict situations, difficult conversations or communication tensions more effectively in everyday business environments.