Nicole Smith

Nicole Smith
Nicole Smith Conflict Management (external website)
English, French
With over 10 years in the field, Nicole is committed to providing positive, compassionate conflict management services to her clients. Nicole specializes in workplace conflict management and has broad experience managing formal processes, conducting investigations, engaging in informal interventions and developing and leading training. Nicole has a MA in Dispute Resolution and is a Qualified Mediator with the ADR Institute of Canada.

Expertise

  • Communications
  • Leadership
  • Human Resources
  • Operations Management

Workshops

For more information visit ProfitLearn or Training for the Non-Profit Sector

Managing Conflict in the Workplace

Conflict happens — but ignoring it can impact your team’s morale, productivity, and well-being. This workshop helps you understand the root of workplace conflicts and equips you with the tools to address them early and effectively.

You’ll learn to:

  • Recognize how conflict affects teams and performance
  • Identify your personal conflict triggers
  • Prepare and respond constructively to disputes
  • Use active listening techniques for resolution

Perfect for managers, team leaders, and employees looking to strengthen their conflict management skills.

Understanding Workplace Harassment

Since 2019, WorkSafeNB regulations require all employers to have an internal Harassment Code of Practice. Yet many employers still feel uncertain about what constitutes harassment, how to recognize it in real situations, and what their legal obligations are when a complaint arises.

This foundational workshop is designed to help managers, supervisors, and HR professionals understand the key concepts, definitions, and responsibilities under these regulations. Through practical examples and clear explanations, participants will gain the confidence to identify and appropriately respond to harassment-related concerns in the workplace.

Participants will learn to:

  • Explain WorkSafeNB’s definition of workplace harassment
  • Recognize the grounds of discrimination outlined in the NB Human Rights Act
  • Identify behaviours that may constitute harassment
  • Recognize when an employee is disclosing harassment
  • Understand the employer’s duty to act on a disclosure
  • Respond appropriately and legally to harassment concerns


There is also an optional second part to this workshop: Working With Your Harassment Code of Practice

De-escalating Customer and Clients

Dealing with tense or challenging situations is part of the reality in customer service and client-facing roles — but knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

In this workshop, participants will learn a simple and effective model for de-escalation, understand the roots of emotional reactions, and develop active listening skills to defuse situations before they escalate further.

Participants will leave with:

  • A clear step-by-step de-escalation plan
  • Helpful phrases and language to use with upset clients or customers
  • A ready-to-use script for handling verbal abuse
  • Strategies for managing threats or violence when de-escalation fails

Perfect for anyone who deals with the public and wants to feel more confident, calm, and in control — no matter what the day brings.

Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment - Employer/Manager

This workshop is for employers and supervisors.

This workshop equips employers and supervisors with the knowledge and tools to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of what constitutes workplace sexual harassment and who may be more vulnerable to it. The session will cover individual rights and responsibilities, explore common challenges faced by targets, and provide actionable strategies to address and prevent harassment in the workplace.

Participants will learn to:

  • Identify different forms of workplace sexual harassment
  • Understand who may be at greater risk and why
  • Recognize your legal and ethical responsibilities as an employer or supervisor
  • Respond appropriately and effectively to complaints or disclosures
  • Create and reinforce a workplace culture grounded in respect, safety, and accountability

Understanding Workplace Sexual Harassment - Employees

This workshop for employees aims to enhance participants’ understanding of workplace sexual harassment, identify individuals who are most vulnerable to such behaviour, and raise awareness of individual and collective rights and responsibilities.

By exploring the common targets of sexual and other forms of harassment in the workplace, participants will develop the skills necessary to recognize, prevent, and respond—both informally and formally. They will gain a deeper understanding of their rights and responsibilities, as well as those of their colleagues. They will also learn how to access appropriate resources and services to respond effectively to harassment.

Participants will learn to:

  • Recognize the different forms of sexual harassment in the workplace
  • Understand who is most often targeted and why
  • Identify your rights and responsibilities, and those of your coworkers
  • Respond appropriately using informal or formal approaches
  • Access available resources and support services when needed

Working with Your Harassment Code of Practice

In 2019, WorkSafeNB mandated that all New Brunswick employers implement a Workplace Harassment Code of Practice. While most organizations now have a written Code, many remain unsure about how to effectively implement it in day-to-day operations—especially when responding to employee complaints.

This practical, plain-language workshop is designed to help employers understand how to operationalize their Code of Practice and meet regulatory requirements with confidence.

Participants will learn to:

  • Verify that all 8 regulatory requirements are included in their Code of Practice
  • Communicate the Code of Practice effectively to all relevant workplace groups
  • Describe the obligation to act on a disclosure of harassment
  • Recognize and respond appropriately to harassment disclosures
  • Address complaints involving individuals outside of the organization (e.g., clients, contractors)
  • Determine when to use internal vs. external investigations
  • Conduct internal investigations in line with the organization’s Code of Practice


Note: This is the second workshop in the Understanding Workplace Harassment series. Participants are encouraged to complete Part 1 before attending this session.