Conflict and paradox: Working generatively with tensions and contradictions

The Systemic Development Partnership / [email protected]

Conflict – ‘the state of being challenged by human differences’ (Littlejohn & Domenici, 2007) – can invite impairing and impoverishing dynamics; even the imagined possibility of conflict can limit team functioning and leadership effectiveness. Interdependent and persistent contradictions can feed paradoxical conflict patterns and paralyse team functioning.

However, paradox can also be engaged with as a transformative opportunity when the simultaneous existence of seemingly contradictory elements is recognised and embraced reflexively.

This workshop is for leaders, consultants or other organisational members interested to explore meaning making of conflict and paradox, developing skills in enabling organisational participants to move from entrenched and naive positions to systemic awareness, accountability and agency.

There is no requirement of a formal leadership role, prior systemic training or any other qualification to attend this workshop.  You will learn and apply concepts that help you to explore how we and our organisations can experience conflict and paradox and imagine ways forward that enable productive and creative action.

In this one-day workshop you will:

• Link the management of conflict to team effectiveness
• Utilise the ‘world of difference’ model and its spheres of irrelevance, challenge, harm and value
• Identify productive patterns in relation to conflict and paradox, using paradox as a reflexive tool
• Develop specific reflections and actions for your leadership situations and practice contexts
• Participate in a live consultation involving the whole group

To facilitate dialogue and learning the number of participants is limited to 16.  The minimum number of participants is 6.

Theoretical foundations

• Systemic theory of coordinated management of meaning with a focus on context, pattern and moral logic
• Reflexive theory and its underpinnings for conflict transformation
• Conflict theory – the world of difference mode
• Hypno-systemic theory of change in relation to conflict
• Theory about paradox engagement

Programme

• On teams, patterns and conflicts
• The consequences of conflict utilising the world of difference model
• Engagement with paradox and conflict transformation
• Engagement with a hypno-systemic model of change
• Dialogue design in relation to conflict and paradox
• Participant related case work and reflections in groups

Facilitators

Dr Christine Oliver    Dr Martin Miksits

Time and venue

This workshop takes place 9 November 2026.  Seminar times are 9:30 to 16:30 (UK).

We will meet on Zoom.

Cost and registration

The cost for the one-day workshop is £280 (excl. VAT). For applications and payments received prior to September 30, 2026 a reduced early bird fee of £235 (excl. VAT) applies.

• Registration possible now
• Confirmed place on the programme as of registration
• Payment within 10 days from registration

The above fees do not include VAT. We have a limited possibility to provide the course VAT exempt (without VAT) which we offer for self-paying individuals and charities that are not registered for VAT.

Organisational buyers such as businesses, local government and governmental organisations, universities and the NHS, registered for VAT, will be billed for the full course cost plus VAT.

In case the course start has to be cancelled or deferred for any reasons participants will be reimbursed whatever they have paid.

Cancellation fee: 30% of fees up to 4 weeks before the workshop, 80% up to 1 week before the first workshop, thereafter 100%.

Book your place now