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Vasco Patrício

FROM COMPUTER BUGS TO HUMAN BUGS

As an IT professional, one of the most underestimated soft skills is conflict resolution.

Due to our technical and logical background, many IT professionals believe that, if they just achieve results, they will advance in their career.

While nothing would be further from the truth.

Fostering good relationships, having allies for strict deadlines, and just having people to support you and your opinions regarding different projects are all crucial.

And they all involve, among other things, solving the conflicts that occur among professionals.

Read more

FROM COMPUTER BUGS TO HUMAN BUGS

As an IT professional, one of the most underestimated soft skills is conflict resolution.

Due to our technical and logical background, many IT professionals believe that, if they just achieve results, they will advance in their career.

While nothing would be further from the truth.

Fostering good relationships, having allies for strict deadlines, and just having people to support you and your opinions regarding different projects are all crucial.

And they all involve, among other things, solving the conflicts that occur among professionals.

Conflicts may come up for due to many different reasons.

Different approaches in terms of implementing a feature.

Differences of opinion in terms of bonuses and compensation.

Personal issues (a person just doesn't like another one).

But at the end of the day, one thing is true.

Conflict resolution is essential.

And that is what we will learn in this course.

WHY THIS COURSE?

Naturally, you will find multiple courses on social skills.

So... why this one?

Easy. Because it's the most complete one out there.

I've been coaching top executives and professionals for over 5 years, helping with conflict resolution in many different contexts:

  • Conflicts with co-workers that are competing in terms of workload or credit;

  • Conflicts with other executives to obtain support for key initiatives;

  • Conflicts with subordinates or managers in terms of not agreeing with the given performance ratings or reviews;

  • And many others;

What this mean in practice is that I know the techniques that disarm people. That get people to talk. That make people feel safe to voice their concerns. That reveal the source of conflicts. That make adversaries create alliances.

And many other use cases. You see where I'm going with this.

For years, I've been leveraging exclusive, proprietary techniques.

Now it's time I share some of them with you.

COURSE STRUCTURE

This short course will walk you through some core techniques for conflict resolution, especially if you're leading a team, including showing respect and empathy, analyzing the person's rules, detecting whether the person goes violent or silent, and many others.

The course has three major components:- The Diagnostic (how to assess what type of conflict you have on your hands, and what rules were broken that led to it);- The Techniques (techniques to use to de-escalate the situation including empathy, understanding, respect, guiding towards implementation, and others);- The Traps (traps to avoid that can escalate the situation or cause a misalignment of expectations later);

Not only is it a conflict resolution course, it's also, in many ways a social skills course in general, which means you will be able to transplant many of these techniques from this context to other areas of life (relationships, family, friends, and others).

LET ME TELL YOU...

And by this, I mean,

So, here is a list of everything that this course covers:

  • You'll learn how to diagnose the type of conflict that you have on your hands (a "hot" conflict versus a "cold" conflict) - as well as which tools to use for either case;

  • You'll learn about the types of personal rules that, when broken, cause conflicts (people being disrespected, offended, or others), as well as how to avoid breaking them in the future;

  • You'll learn how to show respect and understanding with the other side, which makes them identify more with you and drop their guard, becoming more persuadable;

  • You'll learn how to comfort and support someone that has heightened emotions, helping them effectively transition from emotion to logic;

  • You'll learn how to leverage mediation and diplomacy when there is a conflict between two other parties and you are in the middle - and how to effectively perform that mediation without offending either side;

  • You'll learn when to leverage personal boundaries to prevent negative behavior by others, as well as how it can prevent bigger conflicts later on;

  • You'll learn how to leverage the principle of implementation intention to make the other side focus on a solution to the problem instead of continuing to focus on negativity;

  • You'll learn about what usual misalignment traps you can fall into (having different expectations, interpretations, others) and how to address them;

  • You'll learn about what usual escalation traps there are (disrespecting someone, not paying attention, others) and how to address them;

MY 

Also, I suggest you make use of the free preview videos to make sure the course really is a fit. I don't want you to waste your money.

If you think this course is a fit and can take your knowledge to the next level... it would be a pleasure to have you as a student.

See on the other side.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • You'll learn how to effectively address and de-escalate conflicts with co-workers, using appropriate techniques to deal with the person's emotions or complaints
  • You'll learn how to mediate tense situations between developers/tech leads/other professionals, evaluating both positions impartially
  • You'll learn how to avoid the common traps in terms of conflicts, which can actually make a conflict worse

Syllabus

Introduction to the course

Key Takeaways Wiki:

  • URL: https://vascopatricio.com/wiki/takeaways-confres/

  • Password: $#conflict)(

Read more

Vasco's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/c/VascoPatricio

Vasco's booking page (for consulting/coaching:
http://CoachingBooking.com/

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on conflicts arising from feature implementation, compensation, and interpersonal issues, which are common in IT environments
Covers techniques to de-escalate situations, including empathy and respect, which are essential for fostering good working relationships
Explores traps that escalate conflicts or cause misalignment of expectations, which helps in preventing future workplace issues
Includes a diagnostic component to assess the type of conflict and the rules that were broken, which is useful for targeted intervention
Teaches how to leverage mediation and diplomacy when there is a conflict between two other parties and you are in the middle
Requires learners to access an external wiki using a password, which may present a minor inconvenience

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Reviews summary

Practical conflict resolution for it pros

According to students, this course offers highly practical techniques and strategies specifically tailored for conflict resolution in IT environments. Learners appreciate the clear structure and the instructor's ability to explain complex concepts simply. Many found the content immediately applicable to real-world situations, both professional and sometimes personal. While the majority sentiment is strongly positive, a few experienced learners suggested the course might be more beneficial for those new to conflict resolution.
Excellent foundation, potentially basic for some.
"As someone relatively new to formal conflict resolution training, this course was an excellent starting point."
"I felt this course laid a very solid foundation for understanding conflict dynamics and basic techniques."
"While helpful, those with prior extensive training in soft skills might find some parts introductory."
"Great entry point into the topic."
Instructor explains complex ideas simply.
"The instructor did a fantastic job of breaking down potentially complex psychological concepts into easily digestible information."
"I appreciated the clear and concise way the material was presented, making it easy to follow and understand."
"The pacing was good, and the explanations were very clear."
"Simple and effective teaching."
Tailored examples and context for IT roles.
"It was great to finally find a conflict resolution course that understands the unique dynamics and challenges faced by IT professionals."
"The examples resonated with my experiences working with technical teams and managers."
"This course truly caters to the IT field; the scenarios discussed felt very familiar and relevant."
"Finally, conflict training that speaks my language as an IT person."
Offers immediately useful strategies for IT pros.
"The techniques provided are not just theoretical but very practical, and I can see myself applying them immediately in my daily work."
"This course gave me concrete steps and tools to handle difficult conversations and mediate disputes effectively within my team."
"I found the methods taught here directly applicable to the specific kinds of conflicts that arise in the IT industry."
"Practical advice for real-world IT situations."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Conflict Resolution for IT Professionals with these activities:
Review 'Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most'
Provide a framework for understanding and navigating difficult conversations, which is directly applicable to conflict resolution in the IT workplace.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, focusing on the core framework.
  • Identify techniques applicable to IT conflicts.
  • Summarize key takeaways for future reference.
Review Active Listening Techniques
Reinforce the importance of active listening as a foundational skill for effective conflict resolution.
Browse courses on Active Listening
Show steps
  • Research active listening techniques.
  • Practice active listening with a friend.
  • Reflect on the experience.
Review 'Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High'
Learn how to handle high-stakes conversations effectively, which is essential for conflict resolution.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the book, focusing on the key tools.
  • Identify techniques applicable to IT conflicts.
  • Summarize key takeaways for future reference.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Role-Play Conflict Scenarios
Practice conflict resolution techniques in a safe environment to build confidence and refine skills.
Show steps
  • Find a partner from the course.
  • Develop realistic IT conflict scenarios.
  • Role-play the scenarios, alternating roles.
  • Provide constructive feedback to each other.
Analyze a Past Workplace Conflict
Apply course concepts to a real-world conflict situation to deepen understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
  • Select a past workplace conflict.
  • Describe the conflict and its context.
  • Analyze the conflict using course frameworks.
  • Identify what could have been done differently.
  • Document lessons learned.
Create a Conflict Resolution Guide for IT Teams
Synthesize course knowledge into a practical guide that can be used by IT teams to proactively manage and resolve conflicts.
Show steps
  • Write the guide, incorporating course concepts.
  • Outline the guide's structure.
  • Research best practices for IT conflict resolution.
  • Share the guide with peers for feedback.
  • Revise the guide based on feedback.
Answer Questions in Online Forums
Reinforce learning by explaining conflict resolution concepts to others and providing guidance on specific situations.
Show steps
  • Find relevant online forums.
  • Monitor the forums for conflict resolution questions.
  • Provide thoughtful and helpful answers.

Career center

Learners who complete Conflict Resolution for IT Professionals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Team Lead
A team lead benefits immensely from skills in conflict resolution, as they are often the first point of contact for interpersonal issues within their team. This course offers a structured approach to dealing with conflicts, from diagnosing the root causes to implementing effective de-escalation strategies. As a team lead, knowing how to show empathy, respect, and understanding, as taught in the course, is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. This course also highlights the importance of understanding personal rules and preventing conflicts, which makes it highly suitable for anyone seeking a leadership role. By taking this course, the team lead will be equipped to navigate team disagreements and foster a more cohesive atmosphere.
Project Manager
A project manager often deals with conflicts arising from competing priorities, resource allocation, and differing opinions among team members, making this course highly relevant. This course provides techniques to diagnose conflict types, de-escalate tense situations, and guide teams toward solutions. The course's emphasis on empathy, respect, and understanding greatly helps a project manager navigate team dynamics, foster collaboration, and ensure projects stay on track. The principles taught in this course help build a collaborative environment that reduces the likelihood of conflict. Those aspiring to be project managers should take this course and learn those conflict resolution techniques, which are critical for success in this career path.
IT Manager
An IT manager is often responsible for overseeing various teams and projects, which inevitably leads to conflicts related to workload, resources, and differing technical opinions. In their role, an IT manager also mediates between different teams. This course enhances an IT manager's ability to manage disputes and create an environment of mutual respect and understanding. This course's focus on diagnosing conflict types and employing effective de-escalation methods directly applies to an IT manager's daily responsibilities. By taking this course, an IT manager would gain the skills to address conflicts effectively, leading to more harmonious teamwork and improved project outcomes. This training on conflict resolution will greatly assist in successfully navigating the challenges that an IT manager faces.
Agile Coach
An agile coach works directly with teams to improve their methods and processes, requiring them to navigate team dynamics and resolve any internal conflict. This course provides an agile coach with the techniques to facilitate productive communication, address resistance to change, and mediate disagreements within teams. As an agile coach needs to help teams self-manage, the skills taught in this course are vital to a healthy and collaborative team environment. Learning to help a team de-escalate difficult situations and find shared solutions is useful in this role. This course may be very useful as an agile coach seeks to guide teams toward greater synergy and alignment.
Scrum Master
A scrum master is a facilitator and a coach, and part of that role involves guiding the team through conflict. This course will help a scrum master learn how to identify the type of conflict, what triggered it, and what techniques they can use to de-escalate the situation. A scrum master must ensure that the team is able to work together effectively. This course teaches how to apply empathy and understanding and to guide the team toward solutions rather than dwelling on problems. Due to the course's emphasis on diagnosing conflict, implementing solutions, and avoiding traps that make things worse, it may be particularly useful for a scrum master seeking to improve team dynamics and cohesion.
Technical Consultant
Technical consultants frequently encounter situations where they need to resolve conflicts between clients and their own company, especially regarding project implementation and technical specifications. This course will teach a technical consultant the techniques to de-escalate tense situations, show empathy, and build alliances. Effective communication and conflict resolution are essential for a technical consultant. Therefore, this course would be useful for a consultant to navigate diverse personalities, understand differing viewpoints, and guide all stakeholders toward a common goal. This course helps a technical consultant understand the many angles of a conflict and bring people together to find solutions.
Software Architect
A software architect often needs to navigate disagreements among developers regarding design choices, technology stacks, and implementation strategies. This course would be useful for a software architect who needs to reconcile diverse opinions and gain buy-in for their vision. The course's techniques for de-escalating conflicts, showing empathy, and leveraging implementation strategies would help the software architect build a consensus. This course will help a software architect to understand the drivers and dynamics of team conflict and give them guidance to resolve them. The software architect can make use of this course to enhance their human skills as much as their technical ones.
Systems Analyst
A systems analyst needs to gather requirements from various stakeholders, which often leads to conflicting needs and expectations. This course would teach a systems analyst to navigate these conflicting requirements, mediate between different parties, and establish common ground. The course's techniques for diagnosing the source of conflict, understanding different perspectives, and leveraging diplomacy in these situations would translate to better outcomes. A systems analyst's role would be made much easier by applying these conflict resolution techniques. Therefore, the systems analyst may find that this course helps them understand interpersonal dynamics and resolve conflicts with grace and purpose.
IT Support Specialist
An IT support specialist often deals with end users who are frustrated or upset when experiencing technical issues, where soft skills are as crucial as technical skills. The IT specialist must be able to de-escalate situations, show empathy, and guide others toward solutions. This course teaches a framework for addressing conflicts. Therefore, the techniques taught in this course equip an IT support specialist to handle such interactions more effectively, transforming potentially negative encounters into positive, service-oriented dialogues. This course may be very useful for IT support specialists, who will find that they are able to handle difficult situations with more grace and less tension.
Business Analyst
A business analyst frequently deals with diverse stakeholders, often needing to reconcile conflicting requirements and business objectives. This course will help a business analyst learn how to navigate these conflicts with empathy and understanding. The techniques taught in this course for diagnosing the source of a conflict, de-escalating tense situations, and understanding all sides of the situation will assist a business analyst in their daily work. Therefore, business analysts may find that this course helps them build relationships with stakeholders and guide them toward common goals.
Release Manager
A release manager coordinates different teams to ensure smooth software releases, often encountering conflicts related to deadlines and resources. This course will teach a release manager the techniques to resolve these conflicts, build consensus, and work effectively with teams. By focusing on effective de-escalation and collaboration, as taught in the course, a release manager can help foster a more harmonious work environment that allows for successful releases. Therefore, a release manager may find that this course provides useful tools for maintaining collaboration and managing conflict.
Technical Recruiter
A technical recruiter often acts as a mediator between hiring managers and candidates, helping both parties come to agreement. This course will teach a recruiter how to build rapport and understand where the other parties are coming from, which is important in difficult negotiations. The course teaches strategies for defusing tension and finding solutions that satisfy all sides, giving the recruiter new skills. A technical recruiter would find the techniques in this course useful for navigating conflicts, building trust, and fostering productive relationships. Therefore, technical recruiters may find this course helpful to achieve their goals.
Network Administrator
A network administrator might face conflicts when collaborating with other teams or vendors on network infrastructure issues. This course provides techniques for de-escalating conflicts, showing empathy, and building alliances, and a network administrator may find these helpful. While much of network administration is technical, collaborating with others is important, so conflict resolution skills are very useful in this role. This course will teach a network administrator how to understand the human element in conflicts and resolve them with purpose. Therefore, this course may be useful for those wishing to improve their team collaboration abilities.
Data Analyst
While much of a data analyst's work focuses on quantitative analysis, they often need to communicate their findings to stakeholders with diverse backgrounds, which can lead to disagreements on interpretations or priorities. This course would help a data analyst engage with stakeholders, understand their viewpoints, and navigate conflicts that may arise from presenting data. The techniques for showing empathy, understanding different perspectives, and guiding toward implementation are useful for bridging communication gaps. Therefore, this course may be useful for data analysts looking to bolster their communication and conflict resolution skills.
Database Administrator
A database administrator typically focuses on the technical aspects of managing databases, but must also coordinate with development and operations teams, which can lead to disagreements. This course would help a database administrator to navigate conflicts arising from different needs, priorities, and project timelines. The course covers how to de-escalate conflicts, understand different viewpoints, and find common ground, which may translate into better outcomes. Therefore, a database administrator may find that this course gives them the skills to handle conflict and improve team collaboration.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Conflict Resolution for IT Professionals.
Provides a framework for understanding and navigating difficult conversations, which is directly applicable to conflict resolution in the IT workplace. It offers practical advice on how to approach sensitive topics, manage emotions, and find common ground. The book is valuable as a reference tool for specific techniques and strategies. It adds depth to the course by providing a comprehensive guide to communication skills.
Focuses on how to handle high-stakes conversations effectively, which is essential for conflict resolution. It provides tools and strategies for maintaining dialogue, building trust, and achieving positive outcomes. The book useful reference for specific techniques and real-world examples. It adds breadth to the course by providing a detailed guide to communication in challenging situations.

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