Workshop

A Gallup study found that nearly half of American workers have discussed political issues with a coworker in the past month. And a whopping 45% of workers report not wanting to go into the office due to political tensions.

In an increasingly polarized climate, it can be tricky to communicate across and around differences, particularly at work. It can feel safer to avoid tough conversations, but we know that hearts and minds are not won through silence. We also know that the most effective conversations require a unique set of skills and behaviors that promote dialogue, active listening, and empathy. This workshop will equip you with concrete tools for communicating and ensuring you are heard, and for bridging gaps at work and beyond.

Communicating Across Political Differences

Learning Outcomes

  • Ways to set and respect boundaries when it comes to political conversations in the office

  • Awareness of our own reactions and how to center empathy and respect

  • Awareness of how our own communication style affects the way we communicate and how to consider another person’s communication style

  • Skills for effective communication and communicating around differences with fairness and inclusivity in mind

  • Understanding of how to establish comprehensive communication norms and communicate in concrete and specific ways, specific to the organizational culture

  • Reflecting on bridging the gap between different communication styles

  • Language that can be used to foster listening and deescalate conflict

  • Understanding our own communication and conflict styles

  • Principles of effective communication

  • Beneficial quotes for communicating in tricky situations

Content May Include

Methodology

This session integrates self-reflection activities with best practices for effective cultural and communication strategies, for a highly interactive and organization-specific experience. This session is highly interactive and participatory to encourage active learning and engagement with the material. We frequently use scenario “think-through’s,” role-playing, and partner or group activities.