Conflict can arise in any interaction, and it’s never easy or comfortable. But unresolved conflict often grows, impacting the whole team and the people using our services. So, it’s important to have a professional courteous conversation about your concerns, with support as needed. The Self-Reflection Guide is a new resource to help you prepare for these conversations.

What is the Self-Reflection Guide?

It’s tempting to “jump into” a conflict discussion. But that can just make things much worse. Healthy conflict resolution requires self-awareness, preparation, and perhaps coaching from someone not involved in the conflict. The guide is a questionnaire that helps you review the conflict, your relationship, different perspectives, and next steps. Its use is optional if you are going to have a conflict resolution conversation yourself – but it’s highly recommended! If you ask your supervisor for support, they may ask you to complete this form for discussion.

What other support is available?

  • Conflict Resolution Course Videos – Our Learning Management System (LMS) has four excellent videos (about 20 minutes each) on understanding and resolving conflict. To find them, log into the LMS, click on “Catalog”, and then on “E-Learning for All Employees”. For help, email learning@christian-horizons.org.
  • Your Supervisor – Recognizing conflict situations and supporting resolution are important supervisor tasks. They can coach you regarding the conflict, or can support a conflict resolution meeting for you and your coworker.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) LifeWorks – EAP provides counseling support 24/7 and a searchable online library.
  • Conflict Resolution Support Team (CRST) – CRST members are employees with formal training in conflict management and mediation. When informal conflict resolution is not effective, you can request CRST support (see the Peace Process, policy E.8.4 in Ontario, E.8.5 in Saskatchewan).
  • Other Training and Policies – Our respectful and positive work environment is supported by the courses Introduction to Diversity and Workplaces of Belonging, and the policies Commitments to Employees, Code of Conduct, Expectations for Employees, Workplace Violence, and Workplace Harassment and Discrimination.

Interpersonal conflicts can happen at any time. We are all expected to use the support available to address conflict so that we maintain a positive environment for ourselves and the people using our services.