The job of conflict resolution and mediation consultants exists because of bullying, cliques, power trips, hen pecking and a long laundry list of relationship problems in the workplace. Yes, more goes on in workplaces across the country than just productivity. The boss can bring in the business managers, the new software and automation, but if employees feel an undercurrent or outer manifestation of conflict and discord in the workplace, it is difficult to do good work.

A dispute resolution consultant will work with employees, managers and supervisors to try to find the underlying cause of issues. They will give workshops, seminars and training to leaders of organizations and key employees. Consider the following when looking for a conflict resolution consultant:

1. Look to a workplace conflict consultant to help resolve disputes in the workplace.

2. Attend a workshop or seminar in conflict resolution.

3. Find conflict consulting to deal with specifics of conflict resolution.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use creative conflict consultants with credentials and experience

All things work out sooner or later. However, sometimes your business does not have the time or money for later. That's when a professional group or a workplace conflict consultant from an outside source may be able to help. Companies who specialize in conflict resolution may be able to mediate and find answers that insiders can't see.

I recommend: Dale Carnegie Training offers a free downloadable Guidebook for conflict resolution if you sign in and give them your personal information. They say that resolving conflict in a business should help company morale and relieve the weight and strain of it all. Michael H. Smith, PhD is a profession coach and productivity consultant. He offers consulting to key employees, supervisors, managers and executives. He explains that conflict issues often fall outside the normal domain of a professional’s expertise, and they cannot always find that answer to internal conflict without outside intervention.

Attend a workshop or seminar with creative conflict consultants

Sometimes a workshop or seminar is what employees or executives need to get out of the conflict rut. Conflict-resolution groups have their own personalities, techniques, expertise and style. You may want to look around and see which one appeals to you the most before signing up you or your staff.

I recommend: The Freeman Institute offers conflict resolution programs and workshops with speakers who can come to your business-meeting center. RogerReece is another professional group who leads conflict resolution seminars. The mediation group MTI does seminars and workshops, as well as computer based webinars and certification programs on conflict resolution.

Use international conflict resolution consultants and specific-issue resolution tools

Dispute resolution consultants may zero in on a particular issue of conflict resolution and give it a name. This may be a specific issue under the larger umbrella of conflict resolution such as 'abrasive managers,' 'listening skills' or 'bullying.'

I recommend: HRD 200 leads conflict resolution groups in very specific areas such as “leading through mediation,” “leader behavior analysis,” “bullying” and such. These are helpful once conflict-resolution managers have found a source of the problem. The Center for Conflict Resolution International helps resolve conflict in the workplace through a third party who has vast experience dealing with such conflict. They will help identify issues and discover solutions.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When conflict persists in the workplace whether outwardly or as the silent undercurrent, it may be helpful to bring in outside sources to look into the problem. Look around and find a company that works the best-maybe you prefer to have a local company to save money. Find conflict resolution consulting managers who you can talk to easily and discuss your problems openly.