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Liberating Structures

Five conventional structures guide the way we organize routine interactions and how groups work together: presentations, managed discussions, open discussions, status reports and brainstorm sessions. Liberating Structures add 33 more options to the big five conventional approaches. When you feel included and engaged, do you do a better job? Do you think teams in which people work well together […]

Making Meetings Work

Meetings are where we build trust, cooperation, solve problems and celebrate success. Together we plan for the future and evaluate past performance. Explore the best practices for making meetings work and consider how to translate in-person interactions to conference calls and virtual meetings. Discussion Questions: Describe a “best” and “worst” meeting experience. How do you […]

Environmental Collaboration and Conflict Resolution (ECCR)

 Explore the readiness conditions of the agency, partners and the public that will support a collaborative process. Identify the five sources of conflict and how to alleviate tensions with strategies to bring people together in discussion. Gain insights from real world and hypothetical examples of environmental collaboration and conflict resolution. Learn more about how […]

Strengthening Your Conflict Management Skills

 Recognize how our behaviors, perceptions and assumptions can contribute to conflict.  Learn to recognize emotionality, and what communication skills can help you through a difficult conversation. Explore alternative strategies for responding to conflict and negotiating an agreement. Discussion Questions: Think of a situation where you were in conflict in the workplace. What was your […]

The Seven Faces of Philanthropy

Explore the range of motivations and attitudes of individuals and organizations, which support the stewardship of our public lands. Learn how to distinguish between the 7 faces of partnership and philanthropy and the role each might play in supporting a partnership, their varied interests in recognition and the value of intellectual and emotional appeals. Gain […]

Internal, Interpersonal and Group Dynamics in Collaboration

Discover the multiple dynamics in play when we work in collaboration with others. Learn about the predictable patterns that describe our own emotional reactions, and the dynamics of group behavior. Understand how we can tackle difficult situations by starting with ourselves. Discussion Questions: How do internal, interpersonal and group dynamics explain the “messiness” of collaboration? […]

Public Involvement and Team Building in Planning

This course will concentrate on the methods, techniques, and skills that assist Corps of Engineers Civil Works Planning teams with developing a high-functioning team and engaging meaningfully with sponsors, stakeholders and interested parties throughout the life of the study. Participants will learn ways to raise awareness of ongoing studies and efforts, integrate stakeholder values and […]

Finding New Ground: Beyond Conflict to Consensus

Conflict is at the heart of life. It impacts relationships of the heart, the home, the community, and at work. Most flee from it, some embrace it, but few learn how to master conflict and productively transform it into a consensus. Author Robert Chadwick is one of those few. For over forty years, he has […]