Season’s greetings!

As the holidays approach, the Conflict Management and Prevention Center would like to take this opportunity to extend our warmest greetings and wish you a season filled with joy, peace and good food.

The holidays are a wonderful time to spend with family and friends, but they can also be a period of increased stress and conflict. This is especially true when dealing with varied personalities, seasonal expectations and traditions.

To help you navigate this time smoothly, we wanted to share some proactive conflict resolution tips from the experts:

1. Practice empathy and understanding

The holidays can be emotionally charged, so it's important to try to see things from the perspective of others. This doesn't mean you have to agree with them, but it does mean you should try to understand their point of view.

2. Communicate effectively

Open and honest communication is key to resolving any conflict. Be clear about your expectations and needs and be willing to listen to what others have to say.

3. Dialogue over debate

It’s okay to have strong feelings and opinions, but ask yourself “Am I sharing to provide insights or just to incite?” Prioritizing the dignity of others may help you get curious and engage in healthy dialogue. See Dr. Shriver’s presentation here on honoring dignity through the Dignity Index. 

4. Don't be afraid to seek help

If you're struggling to resolve a conflict on your own, don't hesitate to seek out help. You can access our webinars below or reach out to your trained CMPC professional.

Resources:

The Conflict Management and Prevention Center provides impartial and confidential assistance to Forest Service employees, supervisors, managers and leaders seeking to improve and/or resolve workplace issues and concerns. Two exciting new resources from CMPC are now available!

Pick and Play Suite of Services

Pick and Play Suite of Services is a virtual video library at your fingertips that defines CMPC’s Suite of Services. Each Video will briefly define and describe a CMPC service, as well as explain the process in a simplified manner. You can select a service, watch to the video, and decide if that service fits your need. To watch the videos and learn more visit Pick and Play Suite of Services (sharepoint.com)

START (Supporting Through Action Planning and Resiliency Techniques)

START identifies an array of services and resources to help management or impacted individuals following an anti-harassment investigation. These services aid in managing stress and repairing broken trust, damaged communication, and negatively impacted working relationships. To learn more, visit CMPC-START.

Monthly Webinars

Each month the Conflict Management and Prevention Center offers a National CMPC webinar, addressing ways to navigate conflict effectively, enhance communication skills, boost workplace morale, and foster healthy workplace relationships. Our goal is to equip our employees and leaders with the skill set to navigate challenging situations with confidence and competence. We also impart knowledge of who to contact when you need help to resolve conflict, and how CMPC can assist you. 

Please join us on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 p.m. ET to learn more! 

View the FY24 CMPC Webinar Series Schedule.

Conflict Management and Prevention Center recorded webinars are available for playback here.