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Discover how IMD's High Performance Leadership program can help your board drive corporate success. Download the (NEW) program brochure now.
Conflict management training is increasingly becoming an important component of many executive leadership programs. Indeed, the ability of future leaders to manage internal and external conflicts is a key skill which requires specific conflict management training. Effective training in this area delivers skills applicable to many situations, ranging from people management to organizational issues and communication in the business environment.
Conflict management skills can help in addressing conflicts internal to an organization, either between individuals or departments. Good conflict management training enables staff members to positively engage either with colleagues or groups, to handle controversial conversations, to deliver difficult news, to express constructive criticism and to answer negative comments.
Conflict management training can also be very helpful in managing wider organizational changes, such as a corporate restructuring or the introduction of new operational procedures. The ability to effectively deal with conflicts arising from such changes will determine the success or failure of the initiative. For example, corporate history is littered with examples of large companies that have merged and then been unable to resolve conflicts arising from two different corporate cultures.
From a stakeholder engagement perspective, conflict management training enhances the organization's ability and effectiveness to deal with potential external pressures. Being able to deal calmly and collectively with a client or supplier and averting a potential conflict is not only good for existing business but also for the reputation of the company.
Many of the best business management schools offer leadership programs that include conflict management training. Before choosing a particular program you should consider the following:
In short, conflict management skills training will enhance an organization's ability to effectively deal with the various employee, project and external stakeholder management issues it may face. Many options are available - each organization needs to assess these carefully in order to choose the one that meets their specific needs for conflict management training.
Discover how IMD's High Performance Leadership program can help your board drive corporate success. Download the (NEW) program brochure now.