What is Solution Focused Conflict Coaching
Unlike mediation or restorative justice, conflict coaching involves a meeting between a coach and only one party in a conflict (or a group of people on one side of a conflict). The participant and coach engage in a private, confidential conversation to discuss the conflict and develop strategies to empower the participant to engage in the conflict and constructively discuss it on their own. In these conversations, the coach guides the participant through a comprehensive process that involves personal reflection, perspective-taking, discovering new insights about the conflict and what might be needed, and exploring possible avenues for resolution. These sessions are solution-focused and designed to bring new skills, clarity, and hope for the future to participants.
The Need
Conflicts are inevitable in any community, whether they be within workplaces, schools and universities, families, neighborhoods, or other settings. Differing personalities, perspectives, and experiences lead to tensions and dynamics that make it more difficult to work together toward constructive outcomes. Very often, people experiencing conflict lack the skills or strategies necessary to effectively engage with others and address their relevant issues or concerns. In these cases, conflict coaches can play a critical role in helping individuals navigate conflicts more effectively by offering support, guidance, and empowerment. Unlike mediation, conflict coaching involves only one side of a conflict. A conflict coach will empower a person experiencing conflict to explore their needs and consider possible paths forward. The coach will also serve as a supporter as the person navigates through their situation, guiding them through a process of reflection, curiosity, perspective-taking, and planning. These crucial supports that conflict coaches offer can improve the well-being of individuals, teams, or even broader communities, by building people’s confidence to engage with conflicts in their lives using tools and strategies that can improve possibilities for resolution.
The Training
Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching Level 1 Training (14 hours, 2 days)
Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching draws upon a variety of conflict resolution models and practices to support and empower individuals through a coaching process to engage in conflict dynamics more constructively on their own. This two-day training workshop explores relevant concepts and strategies for conflict resolution as it prepares participants to effectively offer conflict coaching in diverse contexts.
The general purpose of the Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching (Lvl 1) training
is to provide participants with an overview of the YOUCAN conflict
coaching model and prepare them to be conflict coaches, equipped to
effectively support individuals experiencing conflict.
Intended Goals and Outcomes:
As a result of this training, participants will:
Define Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching, how it can be used, and how it is distinct from other conflict resolution processes
Become familiar with the YOUCAN Model of Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching
Consider the qualities of effective coaching and facilitation
Explore various models of conflict and practice applying them to conflict scenarios
Learn and practice effective communication strategies
Reflect on relevant special and/or ethical considerations
Apply their learning by delivering Solution-Focused Conflict Coaching through one-on-one practice sessions
Topics to be covered in the Workshop/Training:
What is SFCC? What is a Coach?
Strengths & Values
Listening and Empathy
Conflict Models - Iceberg, DDT-TED, Ripple, Choice Point, PINs
FISBE & Self-Care
YOUCAN Model & Script
Brainstorming/Visioning
To Engage or Not and SMART Goals
Communication Strategies
Effective Closing
Ethical and Special Considerations
Practice Sessions
