For teams that just want to get on.

Conflict works

Conflict is natural and inevitable but you do have a choice: whether it creates inertia, stress and communication breakdown or serves as the greatest source of creativity, efficiency and productivity there is. It's up to you.

• Training and coaching

For teams

Conflict training

I teach teams how to spot potential conflict and turn it into creative possibility. My training creates high performing teams by giving everyone a shared language and simple tools to navigate with.I run four and six-week programmes which integrate models and processes with reflective discussion and exploration of live situations, in a safe and welcoming environment - in-person or via Zoom.To discuss your team's needs, book a time here.

For leaders

Conflict coaching

I coach leaders to become confident and calm when conflict shows up so they can steer people towards better outcomes. I act as a trusted partner and guide to people who have to lead the way.Coaching programmes run either in intensive three-to-six month blocks to target specific skill sets and situations or over nine-to-twelve months to work towards longer term capacity building.To book an initial discussion, find a time to suit you.

About me

Your conflict navigator

I've been teaching people how to work with healthy conflict for a decade. Before that I was the Managing Director of an award-winning consultancy. I founded and ran an alternative business school and I've taught in other business schools across Europe and Scandinavia.I've been an independent advisor to the UK government and worked with both small charities and multi-national organisations. Past clients include WWF-UK, Coca Cola, the NHS, Climate KIC, Royal Bank of Scotland, RSPCA and Hiscox Insurance.More about me on LinkedIn

Written resources

Free writing

I've written about all the principles and practices in my work, so that anyone can work on their relationship with conflict.Read my articles on Medium

Stay up-to-date

Newsletter & podcast

I publish an infrequent newsletter featuring new writing, course updates and links to new podcast episodes.Sign up on Substack

The underlying principle

conversations that matter

No one gets taught how to manage conflict, difficulty and stress at any level in their education or training. As a result relationships come under strain and people struggle in all areas of life - at home, at work and in communities.When people understand how to respond differently when things get tricky, the benefits are felt everywhere, allowing us to move beyond zero-sum games into having the conversations that matter.Anyone can find more creativity, freedom and playfulness through this work, and in an increasingly pressurised culture, the intention is for as many people as possible to have these tools in their toolkit.

Training feedback

Navigate complexities

"If you want a practical and deep understanding of how to successfully navigate the complexities of conflicts we find ourselves in, then Max is the guide you've been looking for."- Tom, Executive Coach and Facilitator

It felt unique

"This didn't feel like any of our other training sessions. Not just someone talking at you and information overload. We were actually vulnerable in front of our colleagues and admitted we aren't perfect. Max as a trainer was very easy to talk to."- Marsha, Team Leader

Coaching feedback

Now I have courage

"I now have courage - there is no need to avoid conflict only approach it in the right way. Like if you walk behind a horse it will kick you but if you approach with care you can ride off into the sunset."- Liz, Chief Executive

A true understanding

"I now have a true understanding of the pressure I put on myself and how to reclaim my locus of evaluation. It has opened up my professional world to be able to challenge the status quo and not fear the response."- Susie, Founder

Find out more

Start a conversation

If you'd like to talk about what you need and how I can help, drop me your details below and I'll get in touch. Alternatively, email me at hello@maxstjohn.com