When collaboration is difficult
Increase your impact in conflict
an individual online program
“To remain digified in a conflict means that, no matter how open and receptive we are to another, our own inner compass and voice are not suppressed.
To embody humility in a conflict is to acknowledge that, even if we believe we are right, our view of the situation is partial.”
(Jason Digges)
For whom is this program?
This program is for courageous leaders of management teams, boards of directors, departments, project groups, steering committees, operationals teams, network groups, task-forces,… who want to address conflict situations head on and with and open mind. It is for those who wish to invest in their personal conflict resolution skills and those of individuals, teams and the organization. It is for leaders who wish to build an open, productive working climate. And for those who are prepared to scrutinize their personal behaviour and patterns, as a starting point for change in their professional context.
Experienced internal and external professionals (e.g. HR consultants, team coaches, change agents, process consultants, prevention counsellors, mediators) who want to defuse a conflict, learn how to intervene adequatly in intense situations to stop escalation and use the energy as a starting point for change and growth. For who wishes to use symptoms of dysfunction and conflict as a starting point for clarification, change and growth. It is for professionals who are prepared to make a difference in situations where others experience difficulties to engage in open dialoge and to collaborate in a constructive way.
“Conflict is the primary engine of creativity and innovation. People don’t learn by staring into a mirror; people learn by encountering difference.”
(Ronald A. Heifetz)
“Peace is the condition in which conflicts are dealt with and resolved in respectful, life-affirming ways. Peace is not the absence of conflict. Given the complexity of the world, that is an impossibility.
Peace is the situation in which people have tools for resolving conflict in non-destructive, productive ways.”
(Paul Linden)
Why this program?
Collaboration in organizations often runs smoothly, but sometimes you are confronted with difficult situations, dysfunctional communication, lingering tensions or open conflict. For most people conflict in the workplace is a huge challenge! How to bring movement in collaboration that seems stuck? How to stop the negative spiral of negativity and distrust? How to bring difficult topics on the table without fear for explosion?
In tense situations in the workplace we are confronted with ourselves. In conflicts we all recognize our bad habits that no longer work, blocking assumptions, rigid patterns and defensive behaviour. We have actually never learned how to deal with conflict in a healthy way. It turns out to be extremely difficult to stay present in the situation and connected with the other – and with yourself! – when differences and opposition trigger tensions. Our bodies and minds contract.
In dealing with tense professional relationships, a clear and solid framework is supportive to understand what is happening. Insight in group behaviour and tension regulation in teams, frameworks to understand conflict and a vision on ‘healthy’ conflicts offer you anchor points in the complexity and emotionality of conflict in all its expressions.
Stepping stones to prepare and facilitate courageous conversations are helpful. Also tools, group methods and facilitation skills support you to create space for dialogue and to address difficult topics.
But frameworks and methods are not enough.
The quality of your presence in difficult situations is critical. In moments that matter, you are – more than ever – visible as a leader or facilitator. Your way of being and doing can make the difference: does the conflict remain below the surface, do people start a fight or do you support others to choose the ‘third way’, a courageous conversation?
Can you remain calm, think clearly and act consciously when people most need you to do so, or do you react on automatic pilot? Do you manage to stand firmly in the face of emotions, chaos and tension? Can you contain the uncertainty of not-knowing? Can you manage yourself in stressful situations?
Change starts with how you deal with a conflict situation!
What will you get out of this program?
You use new perspectives to observe groups, collaborative relationships and conflict, enabling you to recognize early warning signs of tension, and to proactively address difficult situations.
You understand the meaning of group dynamics that emerge in situations of tension and threat, so you can work with whatever is happening below the surface as a starting point for dialogue and developement.
You recognize your automatic pilot and personal patterns in situations of intensity and you are aware of what is happening on the mental, emotional and physical leven. You can manage yourself in stressful situations and intentionally make the shift from reactive to responsive behaviour.
You invest in an open, productive working climate by encouraging courageous conversations, and by creating opportunities to further develop conflict resolution skills on an individual and collective level as a basis for sustainable change and effective collaboration.
You communicate what is important for you in your role, and by advocating your personal mission and standing up for your values, you can make a difference in the professional relationships that matter to you.
You experience choice in dealing with intense situations, and you can stay present in a calm and centered way in situations of resistance, criticism, conflict and emotions. In doing so, you remain a trustworthy authority at all times, especially in difficult moments.
“Ideally, conflict and differing perspectives, handled well and efficiently, should become a competitive asset – an engine for rapid learning and innovation.”
(Stone, Patton & Heen)
“The best team is one where the members are prepared to take personals risks, address conflict and have courageous conversations.”
(Manfred Kets de Vries)
structure of your individual program
Brief introductory conversation: welcome, introduction and orientation
Intake module
Personal preparation: intake document
Intake: focus on your learning objectives
Module 1
Personal conflict resolution: when I change, my collaborative relationships can change
Module 2
The challenge of collaboration: dealing with differences
Module 3
Tension regulation in groups: healthy conflicts are part of collaboration!
Module 4
Leadership in conflict: the power and potential of courageous conversations
Module 5
At the razor’s edge: conscious interventions when tension rises
Ingredients of the program
- The first conversation (30 min, via zoom)
- The intake (1 hour, via zoom)
- 5 personal coaching sessions of 1,h with space for dialogue, exercise and feedback (via zoom)
- Access to the learning platform during a period of 9 months
- The 5 packages with all the learning materials: texts, video’s, tools & methods, reflection exercises, invitations for experiments, personal practices, references
- Q&A through the chat
- Access to the private Community for questions, to meet colleagues and for further inspiration (LinkedIn)
- Group supervision: two times free access to an online group supervision of 2,5 hours (is organized 4 times a year for a small group)
Starting dates on Wednesday
This program is available in Dutch for the moment. The English program will be launched in the spring of 2022.
Deadline for registration
One week before the starting date
participation fee for this program
5.250,00 € (excl. vat) or 3.675,00 € (excl. vat) with KMO-Portefeuille subsidies.
It is possible to pay in 3 terms. Please send me a message.
For indenpendent consultant and SMEs in Flanders: Circles for Connection is a certified ‘training’ supplier for KMO portfolio. This means that our trainings can be subsidized if you meet the criteria.
Introduce your request for subsidies at KMO after reception or our invoice.
Registration number: DV.0229281
Any questions? Ask for a free introductory meeting!
silvia@circlesforconnection.be
+32 (0) 486 14 86 33
Group supervisions (online)
Dates will be communicated in 2022