Campus & Community

Next Round of Crucial Conversations Training Offered to Supervisors and Staff Beginning Oct. 8

Friday, September 20, 2019, By News Staff

Have you ever found yourself in a discussion with colleagues where stakes were high, emotions were strong, and opinions widely differed? That is what is known as a “crucial conversation”—and the majority of people faced with these types of conversations tend to either handle them poorly or avoid them altogether.

Crucial Conversations is a program that teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional or risky topics, at all levels of an organization. It’s a great way to develop one’s conflict resolution skills, whether you’re facing a major interpersonal hurdle or simply want to add more tools to your toolbox. Supervisors and staff are invited to sign up to attend the upcoming eight-week session! Advance registration and departmental approval* is required.

Tuesdays, Oct. 8-Nov. 26, 9:30–11:30 a.m., 204 Physics Building

Skills learned each week build upon skills from the previous week, so it’s critical that you are able to attend all sessions. Participants in Crucial Conversations will learn how to:

  • Spot when conversations become crucial
  • Hold the right conversations
  • Avoid repeatedly having the same conversation
  • Understand their own style under stress
  • Recognize and diffuse violence and silence
  • Clearly identify and express what they really mean
  • Separate facts from stories and emotions
  • Make it safe for others to speak up
  • Make clear decisions and commitments

Here’s what past participants are saying:

“I thought that the program was very informative and really dug down into what really happens when people are at an impasse.”

“I loved the class—I learned so many different approaches to having crucial conversations not only at work, but in my personal life, too!”

“Crucial Conversations was so helpful, it was the best training I have been a part of at 鶹ƵUniversity.”

Interested in participating? Visit the to learn more or the to sign up.

*Please note: There is a $350 cost per participant to cover program materials. This fee will be charged back to your budget center, so approval from your supervisor and budget manager is required.