Conflict is normal and will occur even in the most solid workplaces.
Conflict arises from:
- Miscommunication
- Misunderstandings
- Differing viewpoints or beliefs about a situation
- Threats to employment status or professional reputation
- Unmet needs
- Broken trust
Unmanaged conflict can lead to stress, job dissatisfaction, decreased productivity, negative health impacts, retention issues, and lower team morale.
Conflict is not the problem. The problem is how conflict is managed and resolved. Understanding the underlying causes of conflict and our responses to the situation, leads to more successful resolutions. With the right guidance, the effective resolution of conflict can actually strengthen workplace relationships and morale.
CMDR services are designed to resolve conflict, repair workplace relationships, and improve communication so that employees can thrive personally and professionally. We specialize in workplace conflict and work to create a positive path forward for all parties involved in the conflict.
The services of CMDR are voluntary and private (except for legal reporting requirements, such as Title IX). Schedule an individual consultation with CMDR to discuss which services best meet your needs.
Mediation & Facilitated Discussion
Mediation
Mediation is an informal, structured process led by a neutral, trained mediator. The mediator does not make decisions for the parties or judge the issues. The parties are empowered to decide which issues to address in mediation and to work toward agreements on those issues.
Facilitated Discussion
Similar to mediation, facilitation is a problem-solving process guided by a neutral trained facilitator. The facilitator will not make decisions or judge the issues. The facilitator will work to address communication patterns, helping the parties clarify misunderstandings and articulate their needs, interests, and expectations. The facilitator will work toward a plan for parties to interact in more positive ways going forward.
When to try mediation or a facilitated discussion:
- Poor communication has led to misunderstandings and different expectations
- Maintaining an ongoing relationship with the other person is important
- Parties want to retain control of the outcome and work creatively toward solutions
- Desire to resolve the issues at the lowest-possible level and avoid publicity.
- Assistance in communication and presentation of information is needed
- Desire to have open, honest discussions in a safe environment
- Willingness to actively listen to understand the concerns, interests and needs of each party
- Willingness to collaborate to make agreements that are acceptable to both parties
- Desire for both parties to adhere to agreements. Agreements made mutually and collaboratively have increased buy-in and adherence).
- Commitment to focus on the future and how to improve relationships and issues moving forward.
CMDR Conflict/Communication Coaching
Coaching is an opportunity for staff, whether an employee or supervisor, to work one on one with a conflict resolution specialist on conflict management, communication, management best practices, and/or career development. The coaching session allows you to analyze your conflict/issue in a safe environment to help you identify its source and impact. Coaching allows you to take a closer look at your own role in the workplace dynamic, learn ways to position yourself in the future, and communicate to have productive interactions that may deescalate emotions and lead to problem solving.
To schedule a consultation appointment:
- Schedule a consultation to discuss which services best meet your needs.
- Email cmdr@austin.utexas.edu to request an appointment. Include your phone number and whether a morning or afternoon slot is better for an initial 1-hour appointment.
- Alternate method if email is not available: Call 512-475-7930 and leave a detailed, clear voicemail with your name, EID, email address, phone number, a brief description of your issue, and whether a morning or afternoon slot is better for an initial 1-hour appointment. If your message is unclear, then we may not be able to contact you.
If you are considering filing a formal grievance, then please reach out as soon as possible to schedule a consultation. You must reach out to CMDR within 10 University Business days of the incident and meet with the Dispute Resolution Officer in order to file a grievance
CMDR Training
Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution Services offers a range of training opportunities to help develop skills to effectively navigate conflict. In addition the open registration in UTLearn, departments can request these trainings by emailing cmdr@austin.utexas.edu
Current Training Offerings:
Leadership Skills in Conflict Management
Audience: Current Supervisors of Staff, Leadership Position
Length: 2 hours
Conflict can be a challenging workplace dynamic, even for experienced leaders. This course covers best practice approaches and effective skills for conflict management. This course additional time for interactive discussion and small group work to practice conflict resolution skills.
Successfully Navigating Conflict
Audience: Staff and Supervisors
Length: 1 ½ hours
This presentation covers specific pitfalls that prevent conflict resolution, alternative skills to successfully navigate conflict, and a framework for effectively approaching conflict in the workplace. This presentation covers the same material as the 50-minute version of this training, with additional time for interactive discussion and small group work to practice conflict resolution skills.
Understanding and Communicating Your Needs in the Workplace
Audience; Staff
Length: 1 hour
Participants will learn a basic needs and feelings framework, identify how their needs show up in the workplace, and practice communicating those needs to others.
What are we really saying? ; Empathetic Communication in the Workplace
Audience: Staff and Supervisors
Length: 2 hours
This participatory workshop will introduce an empathetic communication model of feelings, needs, and requests. Participants will practice a using this model as framework for understanding and responding to needs in the workplace, and communicating with understanding and empathy. This workshop covers some content of “Understanding and Communicating Your Needs in the Workplace” and expands into more depth, with more practice activities and group discussion.
HR Essentials: Conflict & Communication
Audience: HR professionals
Length: 2 hours
Conflict can be a challenging workplace dynamic, especially in a human resource role. This course covers best practice approaches and effective skills for conflict management. It details how Conflict Management Dispute Resolution Office that can assist staff, supervisors, and HR professionals in their roles. This course includes time for interactive discussion and practicing conflict resolution skills from the unique role of an HR professional.
Resources
The Office of Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution is a resource to the entire staff population. Other valuable resources are provided to employees during consultations. Other helpful resources: