Conflict Resolution for Managers

Conflict Resolution for Managers
Location: Geelong

You know that feeling when two of your team members are locked in a passive-aggressive standoff that's making everyone else walk on eggshells? Or when a customer complaint escalates to the point where someone's threatening to take their business elsewhere? I've been there too, and honestly, most of us weren't taught how to handle these situations when we stepped into management roles.

Here's the thing about workplace conflict - it's not going away. In fact, research shows that managers spend about 25% of their time dealing with some form of disagreement or tension. The question isn't whether you'll face conflict, but whether you'll have the skills to resolve it constructively before it damages relationships, productivity, and your team's morale.

This course isn't about becoming a workplace therapist or memorizing conflict theory. It's about giving you practical tools you can use Monday morning when Sarah and Tom are barely speaking to each other, or when a client meeting turns heated. We'll work through real scenarios you've probably faced - the colleague who undermines decisions in meetings, the team member who takes feedback personally, the vendor who's not delivering what they promised.

You'll learn how to spot the early warning signs before conflicts explode (because prevention is always easier than damage control), how to have those uncomfortable conversations without making things worse, and how to mediate between others without picking sides or becoming the office referee. We'll also cover how to address your own triggers because let's face it, some people just know how to push our buttons.

The approach we take is straightforward - no corporate jargon or theoretical frameworks that sound great in a boardroom but fall apart when emotions are running high. Instead, you'll get step-by-step techniques for staying calm under pressure, asking the right questions to get to the root of issues, and finding solutions that actually work for everyone involved.

One thing I want to be clear about - this isn't about avoiding conflict altogether. Sometimes disagreement leads to better solutions and stronger teams. The goal is learning how to navigate these situations professionally so they don't derail your projects or poison your workplace culture.

What You'll Learn

How to recognize the difference between healthy debate and destructive conflict before it spirals out of control. You'll discover the early warning signs that most managers miss and how to address issues while they're still manageable.

Practical conversation techniques for addressing conflicts directly without making people defensive. This includes how to frame difficult topics, what words to avoid, and how to keep discussions focused on solutions rather than blame.

A structured approach to mediating between team members that helps them resolve their own issues rather than constantly coming to you for decisions. You'll practice supervisory skills that actually prevent future conflicts.

How to manage your own emotional responses when dealing with difficult people or situations. This covers staying professional when you're frustrated and avoiding the common mistakes that escalate tensions.

Strategies for handling different types of workplace conflicts - from minor misunderstandings to serious grievances that could involve HR or legal considerations.

Methods for rebuilding trust and working relationships after conflicts have been resolved, because fixing the immediate problem is only half the battle.

The Bottom Line

After this training, you'll feel confident walking into those difficult conversations you've been avoiding. You'll have a toolkit of practical techniques you can use immediately, whether you're dealing with personality clashes, resource disputes, or communication breakdowns. More importantly, you'll know how to create an environment where conflicts get resolved quickly and constructively rather than festering and spreading throughout your team.

This isn't about becoming everyone's best friend or eliminating all disagreement from your workplace. It's about becoming the kind of manager who can handle tough situations professionally and help others do the same. Your team will respect you more, your stress levels will drop, and you'll spend less time putting out fires and more time focusing on leadership development that actually moves your business forward.