These days, every organisation must train its employees to effectively manage conflict and resolve issues that block performance.  Conflict arises from diversity and difference between team members as well as from the numerous sources, both internal and external, to the team setting.

These generally fall into three categories:  communication factors, structural factors and personal factors, and can be major sources of misunderstanding.

To avoid the negative consequences that can result from disagreements, most methods of resolving conflict stress the importance of dealing with disputes quickly and openly, as well as being able to clearly communicate ideas, to listen, and be willing to disagree.

Although difficult, learning to appreciate each others differences reflects a team’s ability to manage conflict.  When managed well, conflict can result in new ideas, more informed decision making, and better performance.

Remembering each individual team member brings to early childhood a diverse range of skills and abilities, it is important to highlight that the quality of an early childhood program is directly related to the quality of the personnel who operate the service, the curriculum and the relationships that are developed and maintained

Outcomes - early childhood services, by their very nature, rely on teams and the relationships that members have with each other.  Therefore, this workshop aims to:

• Introduce participants to the reasons why team building and relationships are so important working in early childhood
• Discuss team objectives and their importance
• Consider the stages for team development
• Look at opportunities for developing effective relationships within a team

This workshop introduces participants to the process of managing and rethinking conflict;  strategies for handling negative conflict when it arises;  managing co-operative conflict, and;  strategies for team resolution including effective communication.

The course is conducted over a 2 hour period.  Course content, certificate of attendance and light refreshments are included.  The cost includes GST.