Program Overview

Conflict Management Skills

Overview

Evidence suggests that conflict at work costs organisations £1000 per employee each year. This Conflict Management Skills course is based on innovative research conducted by leading academics at the Universities of Westminster and Sheffield with expert input from Acas. The course helps to develop the skills line managers need to build strong relationships with their team, better handle conflict at work and prevent difficult workplace issues from escalating.

Who is this course for?

This course will primarily benefit people new to management. However, the skills it aims to develop can be applied at all levels – from supervisors seeking career advancement, to senior managers looking to refresh and reinforce their existing knowledge.

Location

This course is online so can be accessed flexibly at any time during any day of the week.

Learning outcomes

This course aims to give you more confidence to handle conflict at work. At the end of the course you will be able to:

• communicate more effectively with your team to build trust and find common ground
• prepare and conduct a difficult conversation, using a collaborative approach to move towards a positive outcome
• recognise the importance of early intervention and make informed decisions about how to manage conflict situations
• implement a three-stage process designed to resolve complex problems within your team

Discounts and offers

• Purchasing multiple places: 10% discount for 20-49 places, 20% discount for 50+ places
• Key partners: 15% discount per place
• Alumni discount: 20% discount for University of Westminster alumni

Course structure

The course comprises four engaging modules comprised of short video tutorials, discussions and insights from leading experts. You’ll get downloadable templates and simulations designed to test your learning.

• Module 1: Effective communication
• Module 2: Feedback and difficult conversations
• Module 3: Deciding to intervene
• Module 4: Resolving conflict in your team

Module 1: Effective communication

Having conversations with team members is something that managers should do regularly, but are they getting the most out of these conversations? This module develops valuable questioning and listening skills managers can use to help build trust and identify problems at an early stage.

Module 2: Feedback and difficult conversations

No one enjoys giving negative feedback, but what happens if managers do not address poor performance or behaviour? This module explores how managers can approach difficult conversations and look for positive outcomes through collaborative problem solving.

Module 3: Deciding to intervene

Managers can be best placed to spot minor issues before they escalate into conflict situations, but how should they decide on the best action to take? This module explores how managers can consider options and effectively respond to a range of challenging scenarios.

Module 4: Resolving conflict in your team

Conflict between members of staff can have a negative impact on the entire team. This module provides managers with skills, based on workplace mediation, that they can use to get to the root cause of problems and develop sustainable resolutions.

Further information

This is a self-managed course you can take at your own pace. It is based on innovative research and developed by leading experts in the fields of employment relations and conflict management at the University of Westminster and Sheffield, in conjunction with Acas.

Technical requirements

• Windows-based PC, Windows-based laptop computer or a Macintosh computer
• Smartphone or tablet using the Skilled Managers App (A NewSpring App)
• Internet connection
• Browser that supports JavaScript (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge)
• iOS 11 and upwards or Android 5.1 and upwards for the Skilled Managers App

Partners

The University of Westminster has produced this course in collaboration with Acas, an independent public body who are recognised experts in workplace conflict and dispute resolution.

Course benefits

• 12 months access to the online training course
• 12 months access to the Skilled Managers online toolkit

Booking

• Start date: Within 3 days of booking
• Mode of delivery: Online course
• Day and time: Flexible learning
• Duration: One year of access
• Price: £150

Testimonials

• "This type of training has been really positive in the fact it’s not just a one off, and managers who took part have access to the toolkit for 12 months after. The toolkit provides templates and resources that could be used in practice, again time-saving in terms of not having to create in-house."
• "I think this training is really important to provide a safe and comfortable working environment. It made me feel more confident in my decisions when dealing with conflict. I liked how the training was a mix of videos, text and activities."