For HR, people leaders and individuals
When a working relationship becomes difficult
A working relationship has become strained. Conversations keep going wrong, an issue is being avoided, or a staff member is finding it difficult to move forward.
If you are an HR professional or people leader, you may be exploring individual support for an employee. Conflict coaching can help them understand the situation, consider their own response and prepare for constructive conversations.
Individuals can also enquire directly. I offer conflict coaching and mediation to help people understand what is happening and explore a way forward.
Talk through your situationStart with what you can influence
Conflict coaching gives an individual space to understand what is driving a situation, consider different perspectives and their own contribution, and build the confidence and skills to respond constructively.
We can explore the individual’s options and, where useful, prepare and practise for a conversation. The coaching belongs to the individual, and the choices remain theirs.
Explore conflict coachingWhen a supported conversation may help
If the people involved need help to talk through an issue together, mediation may be appropriate. I meet individually with participants before a joint session so we can discuss what is happening, what they hope to achieve and what support they may need.
During mediation, I support the conversation and help people hear each other's perspectives and explore practical next steps.
Learn about mediationYou do not have to know which process to ask for
The first conversation can simply be about what feels difficult and what you would like to understand or change.
If a serious concern or formal complaint has been raised, a different process may need to be considered. We can discuss whether my services are appropriate to the situation.
Support for employees, leaders and individuals
HR professionals and people leaders may arrange coaching to help a staff member prepare for mediation, navigate a conflict when the other person does not want to take part in a joint process, move forward after an investigation, or work through a past conflict they feel stuck replaying.
Coaching can help staff prepare while waiting for an MBIE workplace mediation session: identifying what matters, considering different perspectives and practising difficult conversations so they can make the most of the session.
Where an organisation arranges coaching, the individual’s goals and the arrangements for privacy and any feedback need to be clear from the outset.
You can also enquire for your own support. Let me know when you get in touch so we can discuss the right starting point.
Talk through your situation