Conflict Coaching is a tool that can be utilized to explore and improve a conflict situation.
Conflict Coaching supports an individual's ability to engage in, manage, and/or productively work through their conflict situation. Trained Conflict Coaches work one-on-one with the individual to talk through their conflict in order to help them:
- consider possibilities
- explore and test options for managing the conflict
- practice skills needed to productively engage with the conflict moving forward, and
- develop an approach or plan of action (that is in their control) to address the conflict.
A Conflict Coach meets individually with the requesting party (up to 3 times) to help them explore and manage their conflict situation. The Coach listens to their story and works with the individual to identify objectives, explore and test options, and practice potential strategies to manage the conflict.
This is done through the following:
- Identify Goals
- Explore the Conflict Story
- Clarify Needs & Examine Perspectives
- Explore & Test Options
- Outline & Define Best Option
- Review, Examine & Test Best Option
- Define Action Plan
The role of the Coach is NOT to decide who is right or wrong, to make decisions, or give advice on what to do. Their role is to help support the individual's ability to engage in, manage, and/or productively work through their conflict situation.
Through Conflict Coaching, trained staff and volunteers help individuals in conflict:
- reengage in a way that considers a broader (or more) perspective(s)
- focus on what is in their power to consider/change
- own their part in the conflict
- self-actualize to resolve their conflict/issue.
Conflict Coaching is a confidential service offered free of charge to individuals in the Estes Valley. It is a voluntary process that serves as an opportunity for "mediation for one" with an individual seeking to engage.
Conflict Coaching can be used to explore a conflict situation; as a precursor to mediation; or in lieu of mediation if the other party declines to participate.
- Increases conflict-related understanding
- Prompts self-reflection
- Lead to identification of strategies for future interactions
- Serves as a platform to learn and practice skills for situation-specific and general conflict situations
- Helps diffuse conflict
To explore or request Conflict Coaching, leave a message on the conflict resolution at 970-586-3845 or email restorativejustice@estes.org.