Courses on the Prevention and Resolution of Workplace Conflict

A key component in preventing and resolving workplace conflict is education.  Employees and supervisors need to be advised about the adverse effects of workplace conflict.  Supervisors and managers need to learn how to detect, diagnose and effectively remedy any workplace conflict.

In order to facilitate this, Marli Rusen of Management Matters has created the following practical, skills-based workshops:

1.    Prevalence and Costs of Conflict in the Workplace: A Systematic Approach to Changing Workplace Culture

a.    1-1.5 hour session (includes time for questions after);
b.    Audience – Management and supervisors;

2.    Respectful Workplace Practices: A Guide for Supervisors

a.    1.5-2 hour session:  what is respectful treatment?  What is personal harassment/bullying?  What are supervisory/managerial expectations in relation to creating and maintaining a harassment-free workplace;
b.    Audience – anyone who supervises employees, contractors and others, including front-line supervisors and more senior management;

3.    Respectful Workplace Practices: Guidelines for Employees

a.    1.5 hour sessions: what is respectful treatment?  What is personal harassment/bullying? What are practical steps that employees can take if they think they are being bullied or they see someone else being bullied?  What should employees do if they might have “crossed the line” to minimize any harm caused?
b.    Audience – all employees;

4.    How to Conduct a Fair Investigation into Workplace Conflict

a.    1.5 – 2 hour session that addresses different approaches to the resolution of workplace conflict – the difference between mediating and investigating a conflict; when a formal investigation into workplace conflict is necessary; the required elements of a fair investigation; how to handle the sticky issues of confidentiality, disclosure and retaliation;
b.    Audience –individuals assigned to investigate workplace conflict and bullying;

5.    How to “Performance Manage” Conflict out of the Workplace

a.    1.5 – 2 hour session that shows managers how to take appropriate and defensible action once it has been determined that an employee has engaged in unacceptable workplace conflict.  This addresses the three fundamental components in effective management of employees who engage in workplace conflict/bullying:  communication, documentation and escalation;
b.    Audience –supervisors and managers charged with the responsibility of managing employee misconduct/poor performance in the workplace;