Conflict Coaching

Conflict Coaching is a new skill I have been learning and practicing over the past six months. Many ask me "what is it" and I have had a hard time responding.... so here is another try at describing what Conflict Coaching is and what it is not.

The best overall definition of Conflict Coaching I have found is
"Conflict Coaching is a structured process that helps people to develop and enhance their skills, knowledge and competencies to effectively engage in and manage interpersonal conflict."

• Conflict Coaching is a structured process in which the Coach helps the Coachee reach their own goals.
• Conflict Coaching is based on the value of self-determination and is a process in which the Coachee is guided to find their own solutions.
• Conflict Coaching is focused on the future.
• The Coach provides the Coachee support, accountability and leads them through a methodical process that is task and action orientated.

Conflict Coaching is NOT Mentoring, Therapy or Consultation.

• In a Mentoring relationship, the Mentor gives the Mentee advice and helps them to decide the steps they need to take to move to the next level of their development.
• In Therapy, the Therapist assists the Client to gain understanding and awareness of the sources of their concerns and/or problems. Therapy also tends to be focused on the past.
• Consultation is a process in which the Consultant is giving the Client advice in regard to what they need to do and how they should do it.

Coaching is an excellent process for those who are struggling with a current conflict situation or want to examine the way in which they deal with conflict as a whole. The process typically takes between four and seven hours and is completed in one hour sessions. The Coaching can be done in person or over the phone and one to two sessions are scheduled each week.

For more information on Conflict Coaching visit http://www.kathyelton.com/