Why do we wait for conflict to escalate before we act on it? This question has driven much of my work — and it's also what made the Conflict Coaching for Breakthroughs™ course with Kira Nurieli through the International Ombuds Association resonate so deeply with me.
One of my key takeaways was the 3D Harmony Model, grounded in the idea that people are creative, resourceful, and whole. This framing shifted something for me. When you approach conflict coaching from this place, it becomes less about fixing someone and more about walking alongside them as they find their own way through.
The model's three pillars — dignity, dialogue, and discovery — gave me a practical vocabulary for something I have long believed but struggled to articulate.
And Kira herself embodies all of it. Her calm, unhurried presence made the learning environment feel safe enough for real reflection. I found myself asking questions I had not thought to ask before. If that is what her clients experience, I imagine the impact is profound.
Excellent training to build essential Conflict & Communication Skills for our emerging leaders and supervisors. Highly recommend!
In this Conflict Coaching for Breakthroughs on-line course offered by the Harmony Strategies Group, Kira skillfully guided us through and engaged us in practicing her 3-D Harmony Model for managing conflict. As a practicing ombuds, the techniques incorporated in this model can stand alone as a go-to conflict resolution approach or supplement existing conflict coaching practices.
Compelling content from a committed, creative, and compassionate presenter. I recently had the pleasure of participating in Conflict Coaching for Breakthroughs. Participants were gifted this model-based approach in a series of workshops by a trainer who maintained a structured, inclusive, and welcoming virtual space. I remain especially appreciative of the variety of learning and engagement modalities utilized, as well as the trainer’s pragmatic view of the offering. This was an opportunity proffered, irrespective of conflict coaching background or profession of practice, to learn the conceptual scaffolding of a proprietary model and build capacity for real-world application.
Outstanding facilitator. Possesses a unique ability to create spaces that foster meaningful discussions, self-discovery, and strong community connections.
Protect morale and enhance the bottom line by reducing workplace incivility. Kira Nurieli spoke with my network over Zoom on August 27th, 2024 and it was so value-added that we will likely invite her to present more in a future conversation. The government executives in attendance, having heard her description of her path to becoming a certified mediator, Ombuds, conflict coach & organizational psychologist, not only recognized the scenarios of workplace incivility and conflict management skills deficits she was describing but appreciated the empathy and savvy with which she responded to questions. We were all convinced that her group can add huge value, especially in situations where top leaders are willing to hear what she's telling them about misaligned structures and policies that actually may be setting up conflict unnecessarily.
Highly Skilled Mediators and Restorative Sharing Circle Facilitators.
My company, Milestales, has partnered with Harmony Strategies for over five years. We have worked together on a range of products including restorative circle programs for youth, restorative circle programs for corporations, mediation during tense mergers and acquisitions, and mediation for diversity-related conflicts at larger organizations. I continue to be impressed by the depth of knowledge and professionalism of the team. But what has been most important is the calm and open temperament of the team members. This temperament is necessary during exceedingly intense situations where emotions are boiling over and individuals are on the brink of meltdowns.
I highly recommend this team.
I worked with Harmony Strategies Group to learn Restorative Justice techniques and how the practice can be used to create a proactive, positive culture and climate. I appreciate the humanity-based approach to the trainings. Throughout the workshop, the presenter ensured that we felt comfortable in the setting, and that it was a safe space to share. We were not presented with "absolutes" in terms of possible implementation. Instead, we were provided a set of skills that we can use with our educational communities, regardless of the district, that will help us to build a safe, supportive school community where respect, dignity and communication are at the forefront.
