How to Reduce Conflict in the Workplace

In 2002 Carol Bowser founded Conflict Management Strategies Inc. Since then she has helped leaders and organizations become conflict competent. Work that she loves. When asked "what is it you like about your work?" Her answer is simple "I love creating spaces where people can talk about what is important and giving them the tools to have those conversations. It is powerful stuff."

WORKPLACE CONFLICT EXPERT - HATE CONFLICT?
Working with a variety of clients from public sector to family business, there are some universal themes: people want to be respected and heard. When people feel their success at work is impeded tensions arise. Knowing how not to inadvertently create tension and conflict on the team is a key leadership competency. Leaders need to know how to address conflict while building trust and getting the job done.

COACH - REAL TIME PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
A leader's comfort level (or lack thereof) with conflict, ability to listen, and communication style combine to set the tone for the entire organization. Leaders work with Carol to improve their conflict competencies and to establish cultures of collaboration and trust. Coaching clients include: Directors in Health Care, General Managers in Manufacturing, Vice Presidents in Higher Education, Principals in K-12 Education, and Family Business Owners. Coaching clients have called me "a lifeboat" as well as "informative and engaging." Coaching programs are designed to be true to organizational needs and consistent with the client's personal values.

PROFESSIONAL TRAINER - GOOD TRAINING IS NEVER BORING
Carol trains personnel at all levels on the skills to address and navigate through workplace conflict. Her style is highly interactive, facilitative, and designed so that participants can put the skills to immediate use in the workplace. Clients have called her highly engaging, AND highly knowledgeable.

MEDIATOR - HELPING KEY TEAM MEMBERS WORK IT OUT.
Carol began her mediation career in 1994 through training at the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution. The training was a huge influence on her life and professional career. She has mediated hundreds of cases with particular emphasis on employment matters and working relationships and trains others in mediation skills. From 2005-2009 Carol served as a contract mediator for United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

ATTORNEY - SEEING RISK MANAGEMENT ISSUES After several years of practicing Employment Law, Carol decided to become an entrepreneur and work with organizations to prevent costly workplace conflict and share the gospel of "Managing Conflict— Empowering People." She knows the difference between what employees perceive to be unfair and what is illegal.