1. Why is conflict a part of getting work done well?
False harmony is like a cancer to good decision making.  Every point of view must get on the table quickly and addressed respectfully, without fear.  Talking louder and repeating yourself does not convince the team to see it your way.  Being constructive invites constructive responses.

• What causes conflict?
• Positive and negative conflict.
• The conflict gauge.
• Anger.
• Winning the game!

2. Weather systems
If you want change, you must learn to clear the air, and there is some risk.  The goal is clear air and sunshine.

• Smog.
• Storm.
• Sunshine.

3. Defensive and constructive conflict
We will use the LSI Conflict assessment to identify participant’s default responses to conflict.  The first step in observation is to recognize your own behavior.

• Four constructive responses.
• Four passive responses.
• Four aggressive response.
• What to do when you see passive or aggressive responses.

4. Group conflict
We change the dynamics with a group project and then use the Group Styles Indicator to see what was happening in the group space.  There are usually surprises.  Not everyone sees the same thing, even though they were in the same place.

• Sources of self-empowerment.
• Working from your zone of control.
• Work from personal strengths.
• Empathy.
• Developing a consensus.

6. Digging deeper
What do you do about the eight defensive responses?  We will dig into the literature and do the thing that helps people really learn and understand, teach it to each other.  Our evaluations consistently tell us that this section is the most important part of the entire workshop.

7. Negotiation
Negotiation is a special type of conflict.  If your job is to negotiate the best deal for your organization, you need to learn the tricks and techniques that might be used against you in a negotiating situation.  Your goal is to find an agreement that benefits both parties.

• Specific desired outcome.
• Power.Information.
• Time.
• Constructive negotiation.

8. Next Steps
Recognize what you really want in life and don’t be side stepped by things that don’t really matter.  Develop your own strategy for your next conflict situation.