Managing Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

Conversations are essential in any organization. However, conversations, whether big or small, can make or break relationships within a system. This snowballs into bigger conflicts causing a more unstable environment. The first part of this workshop focuses on understanding, managing, and resolving conflicts. It will also discuss insights and skills on how to establish and respect boundaries. The second workshop will explore more on understanding the contexts of difficult conversations by looking at cultural, developmental and generational differences. Further, it will also provide practical tips on how to navigate difficult conversations in the workplace.

Date: 25 & 26 May 2023, at 8:00am-12:00nn

Course Outline:

Day 1:

• Conflicts
• Understanding Conflicts
• Managing Conflicts
• Resolution Strategies
• Need for Boundaries
• Establishing Boundaries
• Respecting Boundaries

Day 2:

• Understanding Differences
• Role of Culture
• Role of Developmental Stage
• Role of Generational Differences
• Practice of Perspective-taking and Empathy

Who should attend: Employees at all levels

Facilitators:

Divine Love A. Salvador, Ph.D., R.Psy. is a clinical psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Philippines — Diliman. She used to be the head of the Clinical Psychology Graduate Program of the department. Now, she is serving as the Director of UPD PsycServ, UP Diliman's mental health and psychosocial support service program. Her work experiences as a psychologist and writer span multiple domains including mental health (psychotherapy, clinical assessment, group and family therapy, disaster mental health, and addictions recovery), corporate/ organizational development (corporate executive assessment, leadership training, and workplace diversity and wellbeing workshops), and media (print, TV, and film).

Apryl Mae C. Parcon, Ph.D., R.Psy is a developmental psychologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of the Philippines - Diliman. She also used to be the head of the Developmental Psychology Graduate Program. Now, she is serving as the Department's Graduate Program Coordinator, overseeing the different areas of concentration in the Psychology Graduate Program. Prior to pandemic, she used to co-host and co-produce Psych O'Clock Habit, an educational radio program airing at DZUP 1602, which features psychological concepts and issues, and provides commentaries on psychological events using a more culturally sensitive and evidence-based approach. Her research interests focus more on the dynamics of family and child development, culture and societal influence, and importance of empathy and prosocial behaviors.