What is conflict? It is some level of discord, disagreement, or misunderstanding. It is those moments in which tension, frustration, anger, and other emotions show up in you and/or another person and you aren’t sure what to say or how to continue. It is something we all experience in some way and at some time. Conflict is worth talking about and getting beyond. When we do we open the door to dialogue, understanding, and closure.

What is a courageous conversation? It is the conversation you don’t want to have, or are nervous about having, or aren’t sure how to have. It is the conversation you wish somebody had prepared you for, that you had tools for how to approach. It is the conversation that can positively affect the course of what comes next if only you could move through it with confidence and ease.

During this workshop you will become more aware of your personal conflict and communication style and how to navigate situations with those with the same or different conflict and communication styles. You will learn key components of dealing with conflict, how to develop the courage to initiate courageous conversations, how to communicate through murky or highly charged situations, and how to arrive at closure with greater ease.

Speaker: Samantha Brown, Manager of Professional Development and Public Records Officer at Cascadia College.