Having recently attended a training course on Understanding Conflict delivered by Neil, I would warmly recommend him to any organisation that is looking to improve its relationships with clients or customers, or to just become more aware of how to obtain the best from interactions.
The course was well planned, with the objectives explained clearly at the outset, an interesting range of activities throughout the day, and a reasonable structure in terms of time, breaks, refreshments etc. Some of these were supported by visual depictions on flip-chart, which helped participants understand concepts, and a handout reinforced the learning. Activities involved moving about, working in pairs and different groups, and using simple equipment which nonetheless made things more interesting (e.g. different coloured pens, paper, daily newspapers, personality quiz). This variety meant that the day went quickly and enjoyably.
Throughout, Neil’s delivery was calm, relaxing, informal yet professional, which helps to reflect the ethos of the aims of the course, i.e., to deal with things and communicate sensibly, purposefully, in the most effective manner. The language and tone used was absolutely appropriate and clear, not condescending or ambiguous, and I know, from seeing Neil in other contexts, that he is easily able to adapt to different audiences and pitch it accurately.
The course was enlightening and enjoyable, and, through interactive methods, the group learned about the theory and cost of conflict, recognising the behaviours that we find ourselves and others displaying, why we should become curious to discover more about what the other party wants, how we can identify when conflict is evolving and how we can move towards a narrative approach as opposed to a blame model. We are considering how to extend this to our wider staff body, in Additional Learning Needs, and as a parent governor, I feel that this would be extremely useful in primary schools generally. I found it personally and professionally refreshing and stimulating, and believe that everybody could benefit from such a course, and a discussion with Neil as to how learning such as this can help them and their workplace.
Fiona Gordon, Pilot Project Co-ordinator, Inclusion Service, Bridgend County Borough Council.