Better conversations. Faster resolutions. Stronger teams.
Let Accord be your partner in moving from tension to trust.
Real conflict support for shop-floor teams --to keep work moving
About ACCORD
Mark- motivated to improve workplace connection
My involvement with conflict resolution began over 20 years ago. It was soon after first setting foot in a noisy, fast paced auto plant as a production operator. I experienced first hand the challenges and frustration of trying to convey information in a hectic industrial environment.
I noticed early on that communication gaps on the floor led to anger, resentment and wasted energy. In contrast, promoting respectful dialogue would bring opportunities for growth and understanding . I became convinced that effective communication inevitably leads to greater productivity and better work outcomes.
My shop floor experience led me to gain in-depth training in conflict coaching, mediation, and conflict management systems design.
My education includes:
- Honours B.A. Sociology from University of Guelph ON
- ADR Certificate (Workplace Mediation spec.) York University
- Certified CINERGY Conflict Management Coach
I am a member of ADRIO (Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario), which is a professional body setting standards for conflict resolution practitioners.
The workplace conflict landscape
Symptoms, potential causes, and costs associated with ineffective communication
Conflict at work does not necessarily show up as overt confrontation. Frustration and resentment can simmer within employees, often emerging in the form of:
- your best employees choosing to leave the organization
- rumours and gossip swirling among the workforce
- sickness and absenteeism becoming growing concerns
- teams that are not interacting effectively
- palpable tension in the work environment.
These issues can be traced back to underlying communication gaps in the workplace:
- are individuals feeling disrespected?
- is feedback being delivered effectively?
- have expectations been laid out clearly?
- are all opinions being heard?
Time, money and opportunities are wasted when hostility and anxiousness have resulted in a dysfunctional work setting. Costs include:
- training replacements for departed employees
- hours consumed by micro-managing personnel issues
- adjustments to address absences
- time and energy spent on unproductive activity
- lost prospects for collaboration
Every workplace can be rocked by conflict.
When it's time to try something new, Accord can help.
Here's how Accord can support you
Conflict Coaching
Workplace Mediation
Workplace Mediation
Customer requests. Deadlines. Fatigue. Equipment issues. Safety concerns....
The reality of a typical work day.
Add unresolved conflict , and pressure turns into miscommunication, mistakes, and strained relationships.
Conflict isn't usually about "difficult people". It's about communication under stress. That's where coaching can help.
Conflict Management Coaching is a structured, one-on-one process that helps people learn skills for handling interpersonal conflict more effectively.
Mark utilizes the CINERGY model, which combines neuroscience, conflict management and coaching principles to assist individuals wanting to:
- resolve disputes
- prepare for a specific challenging conversation
- react more constructively generally when conflict arises
How it works-
Through a series of one-on-one discussions the client will:
- determine what their specific goal is for a situation
- work through a process to analyze the struggles they have with the situation
- create a plan for moving ahead with greater clarity and confidence
Often people have certain patterns that they normally follow when dealing with tense situations . Conflict Coaching helps by breaking down these difficult situations so they can be viewed with a fresh perspective.
Participants in Conflict Coaching will become more confident in their ability to manage disputes with new-found "conflict intelligence".
Workplace Mediation
Workplace Mediation
Workplace Mediation
Picture two valued employees -- people who care and contribute to team success-- now stuck on opposing sides of a conflict.
They actively avoid each other. When interaction is unavoidable, even small issues trigger tense exchanges.
Trust erodes. Team members are affected-- choosing sides or walking on eggshells. There is a toll on morale and productivity, but internal efforts to resolve it haven't worked.
A Workplace Mediator brings a neutral perspective, helping people step back, rebuild trust and find common ground. They use a specific, confidential process to assist those in conflict to have a productive conversation.
The role of the mediator is not to solve or judge. It is to guide a discussion in a safe setting where issues can be explored and clarified.
The parties are seen as experts in their own situation and capable of finding practical solutions. The mediator as an expert in the process, creates a structured environment that supports this collaboration.
How it works-
- The mediator meets with each person separately to understand their perspective
- A joint meeting is held to discuss the issues openly and respectfully
- Key concerns and misunderstandings are identified
- The group develops and agrees on specific next steps
Workplace mediation can restore relationships at work by opening communication and lowering the emotional temperature.