Active listening” is often described as an essential communication skill. But active listening done well is more than just a way to improve communications – it’s a vital conflict de-escalation tool. “Active listening” also means a lot of different things to different people. 

This workshop focuses on how to employ “de-escalation listening,” a type of active listening that creates space for collaboration and problem-solving. The workshop begins with a discussion about healthy conflict vs "high conflict" and how de-escalation listening can play a part in moving out of "high conflict." Then, participants will consider a workplace scenario in which people have begun to fall into polarized positions. Participants will break into two groups with facilitator assistance to explore one perspective in the conflict and how a de-escalation listening strategy might be employed. When the breakout groups reconvene, participants will be given an opportunity to role-play with the assistance of the facilitators. The workshop will conclude with a debriefing about how de-escalation listening worked during the role-play exercise. Participants will also be able to ask questions of the facilitators (two university ombuds). If you registered for a previous offering of this course and were not able to attend due to a password problem, please try again! There will be no Zoom password this time.