Conflict Management Training for Leaders

Most conflict training teaches de-escalation — how to calm things down and get back to work. This course starts somewhere else. Conflict is not a failure of a working relationship. It is information: the signal that a need is unmet, a value has been violated, a perspective has gone unheard, or a system is making something impossible. You'll learn the conflict intelligence framework developed by Dr. Robyn Short at Workplace Peace Institute: seven competencies that make up the capacity to understand and navigate the social, situational, and systemic dynamics of conflict — and to respond with clarity, courage, and creativity in moments of tension. You will learn to stay clear-headed when a conversation turns; to build the trust that makes hard conversations survivable before you need it; to choose the right approach for the conflict in front of you rather than the one you always use; to run a structured conversation, and to recognize the ones that aren't yours to run; to see why the same argument keeps recurring in your organization; and to notice the moment something shifts — and say so. Six modules, about eights hours, self-paced. Each includes video with Dr. Robyn Short, a written lesson, a five-question quiz, a worksheet, and two written reflections your engagement manager reads and responds to. Three modules include a filmed demonstration. You'll score yourself on all seven competencies at the start and at the end. Who this course is for Anyone whose work brings them into conflict, which is everyone: managers, individual contributors, project and team leads, HR and employee relations, ombuds and ERG leads, founders, and executives. No prerequisite. Every module runs two tracks, so it works whether you're handling a conflict between two colleagues or a pattern across an organization. Certificate criteria All six quizzes passed at 80% or higher, and all twelve reflections submitted. Instructor Dr. Robyn Short, CEO, WPI Leadership Academy Lead Instructor