Foundationations in Conflict and Negotiation
CIIAN's Learning Module One: Self and Others
A Proven Foundation in Conflict and Negotiation
For more than 30 years, CIIAN has worked with conflict in almost every setting you can imagine – families, workplaces, boardrooms, communities, and even violent political contexts. Over those decades, we’ve learned what actually helps people think, communicate, and make decisions differently when conflict shows up.
Self and Others distills those essentials. It brings the best of what we have learned – the practical tools, the lived experience, and the updated research in neuroscience, behaviour, and negotiation – into a single, accessible program you can use in any context where conflict appears, from everyday conversations to complex professional challenges.
What You'll Learn
Tools you can apply with yourself, with others, and with any conflict you face
Self and Others doesn’t give you scripts; it gives you a way of seeing. You learn the underlying dynamics that drive conflict – the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural patterns that show up everywhere. Once you understand how conflict works, you can navigate almost any situation more effectively, whether it’s a tough workplace conversation, a family dispute, or a formal negotiation. It’s adaptable mastery, not one-size-fits-all technique.
Work with yourself:
- Notice your conflict triggers before they take over
- Stay steady when you feel blamed, attacked, or blindsided
- Turn strong emotion into usable information
- Spot old stories and beliefs that keep you stuck
- Choose responses that align with your values, not your impulses
Work with others:
- Read the deeper dynamics shaping someone’s behaviour
- De-escalate anger, defensiveness, or withdrawal
- Ask questions that lower threat and open up thinking
- Set boundaries and deliver hard messages without triggering pushback
- Support others to think more clearly and reduce reactivity
Work with the conflict and the negotiation:
- Map what’s really driving the conflict beneath the surface
- Separate people issues from structural or systemic dynamics
- Use an interest-based process for simple and complex negotiations
- Prepare for difficult conversations step by step
- Know when to stay in, pause, or disengage wisely
Who is this program for?
A practical foundation for anyone who deals with conflict – and the starting point for CIIAN’s professional training pathway.
Self and Others was designed to work in two ways: as a stand-alone course you can use immediately in your own life and work, and as the foundational Learning Module One that underpins our professional programs in mediation, negotiation, and conflict coaching. If you ever decide to move into those advanced routes, this is where you start.
✓ Leaders, HR and people managers: For supervisors, HR and People & Culture teams, and anyone responsible for performance, workplace culture, restructuring, or tough conversations with staff.
✓ ADR practitioners, coaches and consultants: For mediators, facilitators, conflict coaches, and consultants who want a solid, shared model for understanding conflict dynamics and guiding others through them.
✓ Helping professionals: For counsellors, psychotherapists, social workers, healthcare providers, educators and chaplains who regularly support people in distress, disagreement, or transition.
✓ Public sector, community and non-profit roles: For people working in government, unions, NGOs, and community organisations who navigate disputes, stakeholder tensions, and decisions with real-world impact.
✓ Individuals building their own skills: For anyone who wants to handle conflict differently at home or at work – setting healthier boundaries, having harder conversations, and understanding both themselves and others more deeply.
Wherever you sit in HR, leadership, a helping profession, or simply as the person others turn to when things get tense, this program gives you a set of practical tools and clear lenses you can adapt to almost any situation.
What do I get?
Over 7 hours of an engaging online and self-paced video series to conveniently fit your schedule.
Tried-and-tested tools that you can begin applying immediately to improve your personal or professional life.
Earn a Certificate in 'Conflict Dynamics and Strategies' from a globally recognized leader in conflict resolution.*
We're confident you'll find these skills to be valuable; if not, we'll give you a 100% refund! *
Our aim is to equip you with the skills to lead yourself and others through conflict, create opportunities for growth, and reduce toxicity at home or in the workplace.
Why CIIAN?
Our programs have been refined for more than 30 years and used by thousands of learners across Canada and internationally.
Self and Others is the starting point for CIIAN’s mediation, negotiation, and conflict coaching certifications. When you’re ready to advance, everything builds from here.
Every concept and tool is practical, adaptable, and built for real conversations and real environments from day one.
Our models come from decades of real conflict work - workplaces, communities, and high-stakes political environments. Everything we teach is shaped by what actually works.
We bring conflict dynamics, negotiation strategy, neuroscience, and behaviour together into one coherent system you can apply anywhere conflict shows up.
CIIAN is trusted domestically and abroad for high-quality, evidence-informed training delivered by experienced practitioners.
Experience the best of both worlds: a respected institute with a personal touch. We’re large enough to lead the field, yet small enough to offer dedicated, individualised support for your learning journey.
Creating Stronger Workplaces
Team Training and Workplace Solutions
When organisations invest in conflict competence, everything improves – communication, productivity, leadership trust, and overall culture. Whether you’re looking to upskill an entire team or support leaders through challenging conversations, our workplace training can be tailored to your needs.
Self and Others can be delivered as a stand-alone team program or integrated into a broader organisational package that includes coaching, facilitation, and advanced negotiation training. We work with HR, People & Culture, and leadership teams to create solutions that actually stick.
Program reviews
What are others saying?
"This course is a wonderful journey of learning, not only about oneself and how the mind works, but how to have a better sense of others in the context of creating longer term successful relationships. It applies to all aspects of life and includes concepts that will have a very positive impact on those who approach situations with an open mind and heart.
I highly recommend it."
"As a former Senior Manager within the Public Service, I have had the opportunity to participate in a number of training/education sessions that helped me to better understand myself including my beliefs, values and decision making style, and how that can affect my relationships with others. I also took courses on alternative dispute resolution, organization culture, change management and more. Reading through Self and Others caused me to stop and reflect on various people situations that I faced over my years - how I handled the situation then and more importantly, how I might have handled them given my new insights. Self and Others brought all my previous learning together and has given me a new set of tools to help me better assess conflict situations, understand emotions and their impact, gain insights on my own conflict style and develop strategies to achieve positive outcomes. Self and Others is a great learning resource for those looking to improve their own relationships and address any type of conflict whether as a colleague, manager, facilitator or friend. Thank you for the opportunity to continue my personal learning journey!"
"This webinar course by CIIAN is one of the most informative, insightful, innovative and frankly, visually beautiful course I have ever taken. It weaves imagery, sound, and years of knowledge into an engaging, inspiring, and practical journey into the heart of conflict and the ways to deal with it. Always eager to watch the next video in the course, I have been applying its' tenets in numerous arenas both professionally and personally. This is state of the art learning for our ever evolving time."
"Even though I have had similar training before, mainly focusing on how the brain works, how thoughts influence and drive you, this course gave yet another angle and details on how to use these skills. All in all a good package, good structure, and suitable length chapters with understandable and practical examples"
Prefer Hard Data? Explore the Stats from "Self and Others"
How about in the workplace?
We also asked participants: If this course was standard training within your workplace/profession, what impact do you estimate it would have on the following metrics…
We Guarantee your Satisfaction!
These methods are tried-and-tested so we have a high degree of confidence in our offerings; however, if you feel the course quality and content are not meeting your expectations, then we will offer you a 100% refund.
Since 1992, we’ve been teaching professionals from all around the globe the essential skills of preventing and harnessing conflict to transform it from a destructive force to a tool for growth. We invite you to join the thousands of others who’ve taken conflict resolution training with us!
FAQs
Can I use this training as professional/continuing education credits?
Many licensing boards and professional associations accept our training as professional development/continuing education credits; however, we recommend you consult your accrediting body for confirmation.
What is the cost and do you have payment plans?
Learning Module One: Self and Others, is priced at $497. Montly payment plans are available.
Does this include live instruction?
No. We’ve kept this program as flexible as possible to meet busy schedules. This is an online, self-paced program, to be completed within 12 weeks of registration. Please visit the Hybrid Program if you’d like a coached version of Self and Others.
What are the long-term benefits of this training?
Our training offers long-term benefits such as improved interpersonal relationships, enhanced professional opportunities, and the ability to handle complex conflicts with ease. These skills are invaluable in both personal growth and career advancement.
I need training for my employees/organization. How do I know if this program will suit our needs?
Our Self & Others program offers foundational skills in conflict resolution and negotiation, suitable for any team. If you have unique requirements, we’re here to help tailor our training to fit your organization’s specific needs. We can modify existing modules or create new content to ensure the training is relevant and impactful. Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s design a program that aligns with your team’s goals, offering practical, effective solutions.
What are the course requirements?
The course itself has no mandatory requirements. You can complete all lessons at your own pace with no quizzes or assignments needed.
If you want the certificate, there’s a short quiz and a brief written reflection at the end to confirm your understanding of the key concepts.
Can I get funding for the program?
Many employers recognize the value of our training and are willing to cover the costs as part of professional development initiatives. Additionally, there are worker development grants available that your employer can apply for. At CIIAN, we’re happy to assist with the application process and provide any necessary documentation to facilitate your access to these opportunities.
What will I get after completing the program?
Upon completing the course requirements, you will receive a Certificate in Conflict Dynamics and Strategies from a globally recognized leader in conflict resolution. This certification attests to your proficiency and can be showcased to demonstrate your expertise. Beyond the certificate, you’ll acquire valuable knowledge and skills that can significantly enhance both your personal and professional life.
Are there any prerequisites?
Although some of the materials draw on advanced topics, we’ve worked hard to present the materials in a straightforward and understandable manner. We do, however, recommend some exposure to college or university programming.
Can this training lead to advanced certifications
Learning Module One; Self and Others, is the foundational course required for advancing into our Mediation and Negotiation programs leading to the Registered Practitioner in Dispute Resolution (RPDR), Certified Mediator, and Registered Negotiation Professional (RNP) designations. It equips participants with essential skills in understanding and managing conflicts, crucial even for seasoned negotiators and mediators. This course ensures that all practitioners, regardless of their experience level, have a solid base in the fundamental aspects of conflict dynamics, setting the stage for success in our more specialized programs.
How long will I have access to the course?
You’ll have 12 weeks to complete Self and Others. The course is fully self-paced, so you can work through it in short segments or complete it more quickly if you prefer.
Do I need expereince with conflict resolution?
Not at all. This course was built for everyday use; whether you’re handling workplace conversations, leadership challenges, family dynamics, or frontline service interactions. Everything is designed to be practical, intuitive, and easy to apply immediately.