In the dynamic and often high-stakes world of project management, conflicts are inevitable. This "Harmony in Chaos: Advanced Conflict Resolution in Projects Training Course" is designed to empower project professionals with the high-level skills needed to not only manage, but also strategically resolve complex disputes. Moving beyond basic negotiation, this course delves into the psychological and interpersonal aspects of conflict, providing a deep understanding of why disagreements arise and how to transform them into opportunities for innovation and stronger team dynamics. You will learn to identify root causes, mediate heated discussions, and foster an environment of trust and collaboration, ensuring your projects stay on track and teams remain cohesive.

This 10-day intensive program provides a comprehensive toolkit for mastering advanced conflict resolution techniques. You will explore a variety of mediation strategies, learn to handle multi-party disputes, and develop the emotional intelligence necessary to de-escalate tensions and facilitate productive dialogue. The curriculum covers essential topics like power dynamics, cross-cultural communication, and the use of technology in remote conflict resolution. By the end of this training, you will be equipped to confidently navigate even the most challenging conflicts, turning potential project derailments into successful outcomes and solidifying your reputation as a true leader.

Duration: 10 days

Target Audience:

• Project Managers
• Team Leads
• Program Managers
• Scrum Masters
• Senior Managers
• Business Analysts
• Individuals in leadership roles
• HR Professionals
• Consultants
• Aspiring project leaders

Objectives:

• Understand the root causes and types of project conflict
• Master advanced negotiation and mediation techniques
• Develop a high level of emotional intelligence
• De-escalate heated situations with confidence
• Facilitate constructive dialogue and collaboration
• Resolve conflicts involving multiple stakeholders
• Navigate cross-cultural and remote conflicts
• Turn conflict into an opportunity for innovation
• Create a conflict-resilient project environment
• Implement proactive conflict prevention strategies

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Psychology of Conflict

• Understanding the human brain's response to conflict
• The role of emotions in disputes
• The difference between positional and interest-based arguments
• Identifying personal conflict styles
• The impact of stress on communication

Module 2: Advanced Negotiation Strategies

• The art of principled negotiation
• Preparing for a difficult conversation
• Techniques for active listening and empathy
• Building rapport and finding common ground
• Moving from positions to interests

Module 3: Mediation and Facilitation

• The role of the project manager as a mediator
• Establishing ground rules for mediation
• Guiding a conversation between two parties
• Managing emotions and keeping discussions productive
• Reaching a mutually beneficial resolution

Module 4: De-escalation Techniques

• Recognizing the signs of escalation
• Verbal and non-verbal de-escalation strategies
• The power of silence and strategic pauses
• Using questions to reframe a problem
• The importance of staying calm under pressure

Module 5: Addressing Team and Group Conflicts

• Diagnosing the source of team disputes
• Facilitating team meetings for conflict resolution
• Managing group dynamics and power imbalances
• The role of trust in team harmony
• Building a high-performing, conflict-resilient team

Module 6: Cross-Cultural Communication and Conflict

• The impact of cultural differences on communication
• Understanding different communication styles
• Navigating conflicts in global projects
• The importance of cultural sensitivity
• Strategies for bridging cultural gaps

Module 7: Resolving Stakeholder and Sponsor Conflicts

• The common sources of stakeholder conflict
• Strategies for managing difficult stakeholders
• Negotiating with senior leadership
• Gaining buy-in and building strong relationships
• The importance of a clear communication plan

Module 8: The Role of Emotional Intelligence

• Understanding and managing your own emotions
• Recognizing and responding to others' emotions
• The link between EQ and leadership effectiveness
• Practicing self-awareness and self-regulation
• The importance of empathy in conflict resolution

Module 9: Remote and Virtual Conflict Resolution

• The unique challenges of remote conflict
• Using technology to facilitate communication
• The importance of video conferencing and non-verbal cues
• Setting expectations for remote collaboration
• Strategies for maintaining team cohesion virtually

Module 10: Proactive Conflict Prevention

• Creating a conflict-aware project culture
• Establishing clear roles and responsibilities
• The importance of a team charter
• Running effective project kickoff meetings
• Continuous feedback and check-ins

Module 11: Formal and Informal Resolution Pathways

• The difference between formal and informal processes
• When to escalate a conflict
• Documenting and tracking conflicts
• The role of HR and legal teams
• The importance of a formal resolution plan

Module 12: Conflict and Power Dynamics

• Understanding different types of power in a project
• The impact of authority and influence on conflict
• How to manage conflicts with a senior sponsor
• The importance of psychological safety
• Using power for positive change

Module 13: The Art of Difficult Conversations

• The "what," "how," and "why" of difficult conversations
• Preparing for a tough discussion
• Using "I" statements to express concerns
• Staying on topic and avoiding tangents
• Practicing a post-conversation review

Module 14: Post-Conflict Recovery and Learning

• The importance of debriefing after a conflict
• Repairing relationships and rebuilding trust
• Identifying lessons learned from a conflict
• Documenting best practices for the future
• Celebrating the resolution and moving forward

Module 15: Case Studies and Simulations

• Analyzing real-world project conflict scenarios
• Role-playing different conflict situations
• Applying learned techniques in a controlled environment
• Receiving feedback and coaching
• The importance of a collaborative learning environment

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.