Build your communication and conflict management skills from the comfort of your home or office when you attend the CDR’s free noon-time Campus Conflict Workshop series this year! All sessions are offered via Zoom, feature expert presenters, and are designed for Missouri State faculty, staff, administrators, and students. Plus, all sessions qualify for Master Advisor credit.
Check out the full list of sessions below, and RSVP today to receive event reminders and resources in advance. Or, for more information contact CDR Director Dr. Charlene Berquist at CDR@MissouriState.edu.
Managing and Surviving Challenging Conversations
Tuesday, September 14, 2021, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Ms. Nora Cox , Senior Instructor, Department of Communication
In our increasingly polarized society, discussing political issues or any difficult topic can be uncomfortable, stressful, and challenging. However, there are ways to discuss differences with respect while searching for common ground and affirming the importance of relationships. This workshop will help you learn how to survive challenging conversations, particularly with people whose opinions differ from your own.
Managing Intergenerational Conflict
Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Dr. Erin Wehrman, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication
We feel the impact of generational differences in the workplace, in the classroom, and in our personal lives. In age-diverse groups, tensions around competing values, mismatched behavioral expectations, and varying identity issues can result in miscommunication and conflict. This workshop will explore common intergenerational differences that impact communication and identify strategies to help you manage the conflicts that may result.
Trauma-Informed Communication and Conflict Management
Wednesday, November 3, 2021, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Ms. Teri Hargrave, Program Coordinator, Office of Dispute Resolution & Family Court Programs, 7th Circuit
You may not realize it, but you interact with people who have survived trauma every day. These are individuals who have been through experiences that caused intense physical and psychological stress reactions. Often the trauma can have lasting adverse effects on their physical, social, and emotional well-being, impacting how they interact with others and experience the world. This session will explore how to a foster a healthier workplace and classroom environment and culture by using trauma-informed communication and conflict management.
De-escalation Strategies in Conflict
Wednesday, January 26, 2022, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Ms. Molly Grisham, Owner, Lead Your Life
Managing conflicts is challenging enough on its own, but communicating with someone who is emotionally triggered, upset, or angry can be especially difficult, stressful, and even scary. In this session we will explore de-escalation strategies you can use in conflict situations when emotions are running high. Learn how to manage your own emotions to keep your rational mind engaged, as well as techniques for calming the other person down so you can communicate effectively with them.
Managing Conflicts in Groups and Teams
Tuesday, February 8, 2022, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Dr. Carrisa Hoelscher, Assistant Professor, Department of COM
Productivity in teams requires collaboration, and when great minds come together, conflict is likely to result. At times this conflict is energizing, but when conflict gets out of hand the work (and everyone on the team) tends to suffer. This workshop will examine the common causes of conflict in teams and groups and explore how to manage conflict appropriately within the bounds of a cooperative team process.
Bullying in the Workplace
Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Dr. Stephen Spates, Assistant Professor, Department of COM
Bullying is common, often unrecognized, and damaging, and it impacts both workplace and campus settings. This session will discuss adult bullying behaviors, techniques for dealing with bullying, and prevention strategies.
Listening Skills to Improve Communication and Conflict Management
Tuesday, April 5, 2022, 12-1 p.m. via Zoom
Presented by Mr. Jay Howard, Instructor, Department of COM
Most people think they are good listeners, but in truth few of us are. Listening is powerful skill that impacts our ability to communicate and to manage conflict, and developing this skill requires focus and practice. This session will explore the role of listening in conflict management and focus on how you can become a better listener.
The Center for Dispute Resolution is part of the Department of Communication and the Reynolds College of Arts and Letters at Missouri State University. For more information please email CDR@MissouriState.edu or call 417-836-8831. To further expand your conflict and communication skills, consider enrolling in the Undergraduate or Graduate Certificate Programs in Conflict and Dispute Resolution.