Public Workshop: Critical Conversations
Not currently scheduled.
Overview
Critical Communication: A discussion between two or more people where (1) stakes are high, (2) opinions vary, and (3) emotions run strong. At the heart of many chronic problems within teams, between coworkers, or in organizations, lies critical communication – conversations that are either not happening well or not happening at all. In this 3-hour workshop, we will discuss the skills for creating alignment and agreement – both of which are tools needed to foster open dialogue around emotional or risky topics. Participants will learn how to speak persuasively, foster teamwork, build acceptance around ideas, and resolve disagreements in positive ways.
Learning Objectives
- Define the three elements of critical conversations.
- Identify the necessary preparation to engage in a critical conversation.
- Examine how to transform anger and hurt feelings into powerful dialogue.
- Discuss how to make it safe to talk about almost anything.
- Apply how to be persuasive and not abrasive.
- Explore tools to use in critical conversations.
Facilitator Bios
Wendy Rohleder-Sook
Wendy Rohleder-Sook is an Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of Pre-Law/Legal Studies at Fort Hays State University. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Kansas and her J.D. from the KU School of Law. Wendy teaches courses in legal studies, including legal research and writing, legal advocacy, constitutional law, civil liberties, and the Supreme Court, as well as current political issues and the political science senior capstone course. In addition, she administers pre-law programs and advises students exploring and applying to law school. She focuses her research on women in the law and pre-law advising models. Prior to her current position, Wendy was the Director of the FHSU Financial Assistance Office, served as the Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the KU School of Law, and coordinated the undergraduate pre-law advising program at KU.
Stacey Smith
Stacey Smith is an Associate Professor of Tourism and Hospitality Management and Chair for the Department of Applied Business Studies at FHSU. She holds a Ph.D. from Purdue University in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Her industry experience includes the convention & visitors bureau where she worked in event planning and Hyatt Hotels where she worked in the rooms division. While in the lodging industry, she also obtained exposure to food service operations and meeting planning activities. Stacey's consulting and training experiences include customer service, organizational assessments, team development, organizational culture, supervision, leadership, and management development.