Introducing Conflict Coaching

By Anet Kate

Conflict coaching is a thought provoking, structured and creative process that inspires people to make the most of their skills, knowledge and potential to effectively manage and resolve interpersonal conflict. Voluntary and confidential, it focuses on the individual’s conflict management goals. Conflict coaching is not therapy or counselling. It is a process of conflict analysis involving one disputant and one conflict resolution professional.

The term ‘conflict coaching’ was first used about 1996 at Temple University, Philadelphia, where professors Joseph P. Folger and Tricia S. Jones, developed a model as a campus dispute resolution service. Over the past 16 years North American resolution professionals, managers and consumers have seen great benefits from using the method, particularly in workplaces.

What the Coach does

The coach supports, assists, and encourages people to reach stated goals. S/he provides a supportive framework and non-judgemental feedback. Input and insights are sought at every stage from the person. The coach does not provide advice, or act as an advocate or representative. The aim is to deliver increased awareness about choices in managing either a particular dispute or conflict in general.

Cinergy® Model

Cinergy® conflict coaching was created by Cinnie Noble, a Toronto lawyer-mediator and International Coach Federation certified coach. Courses have been run in Australia over the past few years, and the first New Zealand LEADR-affiliated Cinergy® course was held in Auckland in March 2010.

The Cinergy® and other models integrate the disputant’s point of view and context with a coach who is both facilitator and expert. Over the past 5 years conflict coaching has gained popularity as a distinct method of dispute resolution by itself. Another important use is to prepare parties for mediation.