Climate and Conflict Assessment & Intervention
The founders of CCMA have a long history of providing conflict assessment and intervention services for organizations and academic units who are struggling to manage ongoing conflict within teams, departments, or other groups.
Our Assumptions
There are certain assumptions that we bring to the table when designing assessment and intervention processes. These assumptions are based on our experiences and our commitment to making interventions as effective as possible. Our assumptions include the following:
- The most effective intervention process is developed systematically.
- Conflict interventions are most effective using a team approach.
- The most effective processes involves close collaboration and communication between the intervention team and client to determine the goals and expectations of the organization in order to achieve desired outcomes and ensure success of the effort.
Our Process
Our process is collaborative, systematic, and effective. Although the specific steps we take in a conflict or communication assessment may vary based on client needs, typically an assessment will include the following:
- We meet with the client (via phone or video conference) to understand their concerns and goals, and to identify who should be included in the process.
- We conduct an anonymous pre-survey of members of the group to gain a clearer understanding of the situation. The results of this survey allow us to develop a customized interview protocol.
- We conduct either focus groups or individual interviews (via phone or video conference) with group members to understand their perspectives and experiences. With permission, we record and transcribe these interviews, or we take detailed notes. Individuals' statements are kept confidential.
- We conduct a qualitative analysis of the collected data from the surveys and interviews to look for specific and consistent themes and unique responses relating to communication, conflict, and departmental/group interactions.
- Based upon the results of the analysis, we write a detailed report that provides decision makers an overview of the current communication and conflict climate of the group, identifying key issues of concern and major themes that emerged in the data. We conclude by offering specific recommendations for how the group/unit can address problematic communication and conflict dynamics, engage one another more effectively, and co-create a collaborative, collegial environment.
Intervention Recommendations
If warranted, we make specific recommendations for follow-up services, which could be provided by CCMA or other professionals. We have many referral sources with specialized skills who can assist with follow-up services, if desired, based upon the context and needs of clients.
Examples of the types of interventions that we may recommend include (but are not limited to):
Examples of the types of interventions that we may recommend include (but are not limited to):
- Individual communication and conflict coaching to help specific group members build their skills and manage challenging interactions.
- Mediation between individuals or groups in the department/unit to address conflicts and past hurts, misunderstandings, and resentments.
- Facilitated dialogue that brings together all members of a group to discuss (in a safe setting) issues of concern, hopes for the future, and their desired roles in that co-creating future.
- Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Identification - This facilitated process allows group members to pool their shared knowledge and perspectives and engage in a collaborative process that helps paint a robust picture of their department/unit and how it is positioned to move into the future.
- Visioning and Strategic Planning - A facilitated process in which group members work collaboratively to create a shared vision for the unit/department and develop a strategic plan that includes both short and long-term action steps needed to realize this vision.
Past Assessment Clients
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University of Wisconsin, LaCrosse
Pittsburg State University University of Arkansas |
Missouri State University
Southeast Missouri State University Greene County Library District |
