Evan Hoffman: the Conflict Doctor

12/30/2025

I was glad to learn that my article on De-escalating Confrontational Calls made CharityVillage’s Top 20 list this year!

Difficult conversations are a reality for many nonprofit and public-facing roles, and effective conflict de-escalation skills can make a real difference for staff wellbeing, client safety, and organizational culture.

I’m thankful to CharityVillage for helping get these ideas into the hands of people who need them most.

Handling confrontational calls can be challenging, especially when you are unprepared. Check out this top 20 article by Dr. Evan Hoffman, Professor in the Faculty of Management at Vancouver Island University, to learn how to navigate difficult work phone calls with tact.

Dr. Evan Hoffman provides key strategies for managing emotions, documentation, and conflict resolution. ⬇️

https://okt.to/ebBET6

12/30/2025

I had a fantastic time co-facilitating a Worldview Mapping and Communication Workshop recently! It was an absolute pleasure connecting with such a diverse and engaged group of people from across Vancouver Island whose varied backgrounds and experiences made the discussions truly enriching.

We offered fresh perspectives on navigating different worldviews and practical tools to bridge divides in the workplace: from curiosity and connection to celebrating differences and mindful communication, these skills can transform teams.

10/24/2025

A big thank-you to the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) for the opportunity to train their staff in conflict prevention and de-escalation skills yesterday! Investing in conflict resolution skills pays off—creating shared understanding, reducing tension, and equipping teams to handle challenges with confidence and care.

10/10/2025

Join us at Vancouver Island University for a half-day filled with insightful discussions, interactive activities and valuable takeaways. Discover how better understanding our own worldviews, and those of others, can lead to stronger connections and more effective communication in the workplace.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your perspective and improve not only your professional relationships, but all relationships. See you there!

Who is this workshop for?
• Small Business Owners
• HR Managers & Team Leaders
• Directors of Non-Profit Orgs and Volunteer Boards
• Faculty and Students
• Social Service and Health Care Professionals
• Anyone interested in healthier human relations

What can you expect from this workshop?
• To gain deeper understanding and appreciation for your own worldview and how it’s formed.
• To explore shared values as a way to build bridges across culture and other differences.
• To learn and practice fundamental skills for healthy communication ecosystems.

Presented as a collaboration between Jamie Cowan of Watershed Communication Services and Evan Hoffman, PhD: the Conflict Doctor.

Ready to transform your workplace relationships? Find out more and register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/worldview-mapping-for-stronger-workplace-relationships-tickets-1782821690669

01/29/2025

Thank you to all the professionals from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) who participated in the Pacific Coast University for Workplace Health Sciences workshop I facilitated on Managing Conflict in Disability Management. It was a pleasure to engage with such a thoughtful and dedicated group, exploring the challenges and best practices for navigating complex conflicts during the Return-to-Work process!

01/27/2025

My website has recently been updated with resources on conflict de-escalation, negotiation, strategic planning and facilitation if you're looking for helpful info on any of those topics!

Dealing with upset customers VIU’s Community Classroom Blog De-escalating challenging situations. Each semester, many eager Vancouver Island University students do internships with local busi…

05/27/2024

A few years ago, I co-led a community planning session on this topic. At that time, the community was highly polarized. Although our process didn't lead to a resolution, it offered a crucial chance for sharing perspectives. In our Final Report, one of our key recommendations was to establish an online information-sharing hub. This would provide easily accessible and transparent information for all stakeholders, facilitating future discussions—an essential element of .

02/16/2024

Just wrapped up a workshop on Conflict De-escalation with front-line workers and staff from Campbell River School District - SD72! It's fulfilling to equip educators with tools to create safer and more inclusive learning environments. Grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact! 💼🍎

02/06/2024

I had the chance to lead a workshop on "Managing Conflict in Disability Management" for participants from the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC). Through imparting practical skills and nurturing a more profound understanding of conflict management in disability contexts, participants are now well-equipped to navigate challenging situations with increased empathy, professionalism, and confidence.

05/14/2021