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Conflict and negotiation

Conflict is to be expected and even welcomed as evidence of the wide variety of experience, skills and knowledge that can exist in a co-operative or social enterprise. But it can have damaging consequences if not managed thoughtfully, so we need to understand how to deal with the inevitable conflicts and how to minimise unnecessary conflict. from conflict to co-operation is a series of booklets on this topic, written by Kate, and available for download at Co-operatives UK.

What's your conflict resolution style?

Are you a cuddly teddy bear or a hungry shark? Try our proverbs game to assess your habitual approach! You may find your usual tactics are not always the most effective! Proverbs game

Workshops
Our workshops aim to identify causes of conflict, help participants recognise their habitual responses, explore a range of conflict resolution styles and present model agreements for reducing tension in the workplace. They also introduce the four stages of a negotiation process based on principle rather than power. Click here if you would like to be contacted about workshops.

Downloads
5 conflict resolution styles 211kb
Dealing with workplace tensions 40kb
Techniques of principled negotiation 33kb

Useful book
Getting to Yes by Fisher and Ury (widely available from bookshops and online retailers). Click here for a summary.

Self assessment
We’ve prepared a brief questionnaire to help you assess whether your co‑operative needs to pay more attention to how it manages conflict. Click here to check out your conflict resolution and negotiation skills.