Group Conflict Resolution

Destructive conflict can occur in any organization. It is marked by a breakdown in normal decision-making processes and participants feeling threatened. Sleepless nights, low morale, low productivity, and decreased effectiveness on the job are only a few of its by-products. Some organizations recover over time but, many experience the lingering results of above-average turnover rate, psychological damage to those involved, considerable loss of time and productivity, and low morale due to a shaken faith in management. Group Conflict Resolution is dedicated to helping groups and organizations resolve destructive conflict using private, non-adversarial approaches based upon the 3 Pillars Conflict Resolution Model™. We help you work through the conflict until it is resolved sufficiently for your normal processes to be again become effective.

We are dedicated to replacing the pillars that support destructive conflict with the pillars that support dynamic peace. Rather than simply focusing on resolving a single conflict, we aim to create an environment that allows for the open debate of ideas without hostility. Dynamic peace is cost effective. Decision making becomes better informed and morale increases when everyone feels respected and heard.

Our conflict work is psychologically, rather than legally, based. It has been found useful in businesses, academia, churches, NGOs, and other organizations.

• Unlike arbitration, we do not declare one side right and the other side wrong, or propose a solution; instead, we help all to work together to creatively find a joint solution.

• Unlike interpersonal facilitation (an “honest broker”), which uses a consultant to take messages back and forth between two groups, we help the parties revive the ability to effectively communicate with each other and both reach and carry out appropriate decisions.

Our Services

Speakers Service/ Management Training

We offer public speaking engagements and workshops that can range from 1 to 3 days.

Speeches are generally given on “Leadership: The 3 Pillars Approach” or “From Destructive Conflict to Dynamic Peace: The 3 Pillars Approach”. The training is tailored to the needs of the organization.

Workshops lay out the principles of the 3 Pillars model and offer discussions of applied practices relevant to an organization. The focus is on how to replace the pillars of destructive conflict with the pillars of dynamic peace, and how the latter can prevent destructive conflict and lead to more effective management.

Consulting / Executive Coaching

We consult with or coach people in management who confront the possibility or actuality of destructive conflict. We help by collecting information needed to understand the situation, by recommending an appropriate response, or offer other measures depending on your needs.

Conflict Mediation

A team of 2 or 3 people qualified in the 3 Pillars model will help your organization resolve the destructive conflict. We enable your organization's decision-making processes to restart under our direct supervision. The team examines the situation, listens carefully to all parties, and designs interventions tailored to your organization and its situation. Sometimes we conduct events; sometimes we coach you to conduct events. We build a safe environment to explore and restart decision making. As your organization begins to resolve the destructive conflict, we help you build the pillars of peace that reduce the likelihood of destructive conflict re-occurring.

NOTE: We work confidentially with all parties involved. We do not mediate legal disputes or family issues.

Who we are

Dr. Richard L. Gorsuch is a professor teaching social psychology and conflict mediation. He received his PhD in psychology from the University of Illinois (Urbana). He developed the 3 Pillars Conflict Resolution Model through mediating conflicts with churches and other groups. He has lectured and conducted a variety of workshops including training leaders in Southeast Asia, where the 3 Pillars model was readily adaptable to multiple cultures.

Dr. Philip Pannell is a licensed clinical psychologist. He received his PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Seminary in Pasadena, California. Dr. Pannell maintains a private practice and provides psychotherapy to children and adults. He also serves as a consultant within the Pasadena community and teaches group process at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

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