This course includes
- 12 hours of project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 1.2 CEUs
This course is self-paced. For live online or in-person instruction, take Constructive Conflict Resolution.
Conflict is inevitable, but transforming it into positive outcomes is a skill. Learn how to shape even the most difficult circumstances into satisfying, win-win experiences. Discover a wide variety of proven constructive approaches that lead to productive resolutions and teaching moments. Develop the tools for quickly analyzing and responding to difficult situations and share them with your team to make conflicts approachable and productive.
Boost your skills — earn a certificate and go further.
Tuition
Full Tuition
Full tuition: $999Due before the class starts
This course includes
- 12 hours of project-based training from experts
- Answers from real instructors
- Verified digital certificate of completion
- Learn at an accredited institution
- Credits: 1.2 CEUs
Learning Experience Highlights
Training from government‑experienced instructors
Receive instruction from subject‑matter experts who bring proven government experience.

Specialized for government & DOD
Courses that are regularly updated based on feedback and industry developments, ensuring versions are mapped to federal competencies.
The instructor was wonderful and so knowledgeable. The course materials were extremely relevant to what my job is. I feel like I can be better because of this class.
— 2025 student

Real-world solutions
Directly addressing the day-to-day challenges of federal employees.
125+ departments & agencies served
Your trusted training partner, equipping public service professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in their roles and drive meaningful impact.
100% Online. Start Anytime
- 24/7 access to our premium course videos and projects.
- Industry experts are assigned as your course instructor. Message your instructor with any questions.
- Participate in GSUSA online discussion forums — share ideas and receive additional support.
- Hands-on quizzes and mini projects to test and reinforce concepts.
Earn a Certificate of Completion
Upon completion of this course, you’ll receive an official certificate testifying to your mastery of the curriculum. We’ll send you a link where you can download your certificate, share it online with your friends, post it to your professional network on LinkedIn, and view all your earned certificates. Congratulations on your achievement!
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Constructive Conflict Resolution (Self-Paced) Curriculum
What You'll Learn at a Glance
- Recognize attitudes and behaviors that create conflict.
- Analyze conflict situations and select appropriate strategies to resolve the differences.
- Resolve conflict with constructive confrontation and resolution skills.
- Anticipate and prevent conflict.
- Create conditions that encourage cooperation.
Course Syllabus
Module 1: Defining Conflict
- Explore personal beliefs and definitions of conflict
- Distinguish healthy vs. unhealthy conflict
- Identify routine and hidden sources of workplace conflict
- Recognize how biological stress responses influence reactions
Module 2: Using Active Listening Skills
- Assess personal listening style and identify common listening blocks
- Use active listening strategies including paraphrasing and perception checks
- Recognize how tone, nonverbal cues, and filters affect communication
Module 3: Acting Assertively
- Distinguish between passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive behaviors
- Practice assertive strategies using DESC scripts and systematic techniques
- Develop confidence to express needs clearly and respectfully
Module 4: Giving Effective Feedback
- Use a four-part feedback model: Micro-Yes, Data Points, Impact Statement, and Question
- Apply practical feedback guidelines to prevent defensiveness
- Understand how tone, timing, and clarity improve conflict conversations
Module 5: Recognizing Conflict Management Styles
- Complete the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)
- Identify personal conflict-handling styles and preferences
- Recognize styles in others and adapt responses appropriately
Module 6: Resolving Structurally Based Conflict
- Identify organizational causes of conflict such as perceptual, value, and role differences
- Analyze structural conflict using real-world work scenarios
- Understand role pressures and status conflicts in teams
Module 7: Understanding the Role of Values in Conflict
- Explore how personal and work-related values influence conflict
- Apply value-awareness in case studies such as ethical dilemmas
- Identify when value clashes can or cannot be resolved
Module 8: Negotiating Win-Win Contracts
- Apply five principles and six phases of the win-win model
- Use tools such as perception sharing, factual anchors, and brainstorming
- Generate and evaluate collaborative solutions through structured negotiation
Module 9: Analyzing Conflict
- Diagnose conflict symptoms, causes, and stakeholder dynamics
- Apply a five-step model: Define, Describe, Analyze, Diagnose, and Prescribe
- Create strategic action plans for resolving real-life workplace conflict
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