Working Through Conflict in Construction

Working Through Conflict: Leading Productive Conversations in Construction

(2-hr session)

Most of us want to avoid conflicts but they’re an inevitable part of life. We won’t always agree with others, but their viewpoint may add value to mine – at the very least, it’s worth listening to. Conflicts will arise so rather than trying to avoid them, we need to learn to manage them. In this seminar, you will explore how conflict, if managed well, can result in better decisions and outcomes. You will learn about conflict management styles, gain insight into your “go to” style and how to adapt your approach to move beyond conflict to collaboration.

Learning Objectives

· Understand why conflict happens in construction environments

· Learn principles and steps of conflict management

· Explore styles of conflict management and strategies to adapt your approach

· Identify your default conflict management style and how to collaborate with others

· Build skills to stay calm, reduce escalation, and lead constructive conversations

Course Content

· Understand both the negative and positive aspects of conflict

· Identify common sources of conflict on job sites and in office settings (e.g., unclear roles, pressure, miscommunication)

· Identify the principles and steps to effectively management conflict

· Understand five styles of conflict management and characteristics of each

· Learn how to work more effectively with others who have different conflict styles

· Recognize personal “hot buttons” and how to respond with intention instead of emotion

· Practice language and tone choices that lead to collaboration, not confrontation