Learn to manage workplace conflicts in OEA trainings

From: Office for Equity and Accessibility

The Office for Equity and Accessibility (OEA) invites Virginia Tech faculty and staff members to participate in interactive conflict resolution trainings. Through work with individuals, small groups, and university departments, OEA helps community members transform challenging interactions related to identity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility into opportunities for growth, connection, and dialogue.

Three customizable conflict resolution trainings are available upon request:

• "Moving from Conflict to Collaboration” teaches participants to use active listening, open-ended questions, brainstorming, and other skills to transform conflict into meaningful conversation and cooperation.
• The mindfulness-based conflict coaching system “Dis-Solving Conflict from Within” helps participants use self-inquiry to address conflict and respond to it with strength, clarity, and ease.
• In “Compassionate Communications,” employees learn to identify and engage with feelings and needs to create more productive and compassionate day-to-day work interactions and build a more equitable, effective, and collaborative work community.

Employees may also schedule conflict coaching sessions with experienced trainers, facilitated mediation between parties in conflict, or group conflict facilitations designed to build consensus and create inclusive cultures.

OEA maintains confidentiality for issues that arise in conflict resolution sessions, with exceptions for threats of harm and allegations of abuse, neglect, or discrimination.

To schedule a conflict training, coaching session, mediation, or group facilitation, employees should contact Henry Yampolsky, assistant director for education, outreach, and conflict resolution.