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Description

Workplace Conflict: Spotting Tensions, Handling Confrontation and Rebuilding Relationships

Two days to address disagreements before they harden, and to rebuild the working relationship afterwards

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Intermediate
  • Up to 6 participants

A conflict that is not addressed in time ends up shaping the way work is done: exchanges only in writing, information withheld, camps forming within the team. By the time the confrontation takes place, it is about months of accumulated grievances rather than the original disagreement.

This 14-hour programme is designed for professionals who have already had to manage tensions and wish to progress on more difficult situations. It covers spotting early warning signs, conducting a confrontation meeting, responding to aggression and rebuilding the relationship once an agreement has been reached.

Learning objectives

  • Spot the early warning signs of tension within a team
  • Qualify the nature of a conflict and what is at stake for each party
  • Conduct a confrontation meeting without breaking the relationship
  • Respond to escalating aggression while maintaining boundaries
  • Formalise an agreement and organise its follow-up over time

What makes this programme different

Conflicts brought by participants replayed with role reversal
A confrontation meeting framework tested and then adjusted during the session
Dedicated work on resuming the relationship once agreement has been reached

Programme

1Spotting Conflict Before It Takes Hold

Early warning signs and escalation mechanisms

  • Identifying latent tensions within a team
  • Recognising the stages of escalation
  • Distinguishing between disagreement, tension and open conflict
  • Interventions available at each stage

2Understanding What Is Really at Stake

Positions, interests and needs of the parties

  • Analysing a conflict from the perspective of each party
  • Distinguishing the stated position from the real interest
  • The role of recognition and territory issues
  • Identifying your own contribution to the situation

3Conducting the Confrontation

Face-to-face meetings and responding to aggression

  • Preparing the setting and the facts to be presented
  • Raising a criticism without attacking the person
  • Responding to attacks and threats to walk away
  • Seeking options acceptable to both parties

4Resolving the Conflict and Rebuilding

Agreement, follow-up and repair

  • Formalising the agreement and the commitments made
  • Organising follow-up checkpoints
  • Resuming joint work after a confrontation
  • Involving a third party when the situation remains deadlocked

Who is it for

Managers with team responsibility · human resources professionals · and anyone who has to address recurring tensions in their working environment.

Prerequisites

Holding a role that involves managing tense interpersonal situations or having completed a professional communication programme.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.