Solutions Oriented Conflict Management

Conflict

Conflict inevitably impacts individuals and organizations as they attempt to negotiate the effect of constant change on their lives. Conflict is a form of competitive behavior involving actual or perceived differences in interests or limited resources.

Conflict, when well managed, is a dynamic catalyst for positive change. When mismanaged it produces hostility, stress and other costs to individuals and organizations. These costs include not just dollars and cents but lost opportunities, damaged or destroyed relationships, low satisfaction and high recurrence levels. In any conflict situation there will always be a "right next step". Effective conflict management leads parties to identify and take that step.

Approach

Agree focuses on helping clients make better decisions through the use of appropriate conflict management processes. Experience has shown that this approach will significantly reduce the cost of conflict management. At the same time, processes which emphasize principled negotiation, consensus building and collaboration tend to empower and increase the effectiveness of all involved.

Services

Agree provides services through its partners and a panel of highly qualified Associates with training and experience in effective conflict management.

Processes available through Agree include:

Mediation
- the single most effective process for overcoming the barriers to settlement and meeting the real interests of all parties.

Facilitation
- working with larger groups to foster collaboration and develop consensus

Partnering
- helping parties at any stage of a construction project or working relationship manage conflict and work together effectively.

Conflict System Design
- guiding stakeholders as they design their own unique conflict management system.

Training
- tailored in-house courses, from half day to a week, focusing on the effective use of ADR, conflict management and negotiation.

Other ADR Processes
- drawing on the experience and knowledge of Agree to introduce a dispute resolution process that is the "right next step" in your conflict.

The Right Next Step

If you are interested in reducing the costs of conflict management, making better decisions or more effectively dealing with change, a few moments discussing options with an Agree team member will be time well spent.