Turning Tension into Opportunity: Conflict and Feedback

​Wednesday October 8 and 22, 2025

12-2pmEST (Zoom)

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Conflict is a struggle or disagreement between individuals or groups with opposing needs, values, goals, or perspectives. It can arise from miscommunication, competition for resources, personality differences, or conflicting priorities. Conflict is inevitable in any workplace—but in museums, where passion runs deep and priorities often compete, navigating disagreements effectively is essential to maintaining a thriving, mission-driven environment. Conflict can be constructive or destructive, depending on how it is managed. When handled effectively, it can lead to growth, innovation, and stronger relationships. When ignored or mismanaged, it can create tension, reduce productivity, and erode trust.

 

This interactive workshop will help you reframe conflict as an opportunity for growth, equipping you with the tools to navigate difficult conversations with confidence and clarity. Through real-world scenarios, role-playing exercises, and expert facilitation, you’ll learn strategies to de-escalate tension, build understanding, and turn challenges into productive dialogue. We'll also explore the role of emotional intelligence in conflict resolution and discuss how to navigate toxic situations beyond your control. Between sessions, you’ll put these techniques into practice, returning with fresh insights and a refined approach.

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​​Workshop Objectives:
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify common sources of conflict and apply resolution strategies.

• Use emotional intelligence to navigate difficult conversations.

• Deliver feedback constructively and with empathy.

• Recognize when a situation is beyond their control to improve.

• Strengthen relationships through active listening and communication.

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Investment for this course is $175. Sign up with a colleague (or two) from your museum and you each save $25 on registration (use code: Group)

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Join us and develop the skills to navigate even the toughest conversations with clarity and confidence.​

Building Strategic Relationships: Managing up, Down and Side-to-Side

​November 19 and December 3, 2025

12-2pm/EST (Zoom)

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True leadership isn't just about a title—it's about influence, trust, and credibility. These things are built through relationships. Strong leaders connect with people at all levels, earning respect by listening, communicating clearly, and acting with integrity. Without authentic relationships, even the best ideas or strategies can fall flat. Most organizational goals—especially in complex environments like museums—require coordination across departments and roles. Leaders who cultivate relationships beyond their immediate team can break down silos, align resources, and drive shared outcomes. This lateral collaboration leads to more innovative, efficient, and inclusive solutions.

 

The ability to lead without formal authority is more critical than ever. This two-part course focuses on how to manage and strengthen relationships in all directions—up to supervisors and senior leaders, down to direct reports and junior colleagues, and across peer networks and departments.

 

Through interactive discussions, real-world scenarios, and practical tools, participants will learn how to communicate with clarity, build trust, and influence decision-making at every level of the organization. We'll explore understanding power dynamics, making connections between emotional intelligence and essential leaders. This workshop will equip you with practical strategies for working across your organization to create shared success.

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Workshop objectives:

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the distinct dynamics of managing up, down, and across in an organizational setting

• Apply strategies to communicate more effectively

• Strengthen trust and alignment through intentional relationship-building practices

• Identify and address common barriers to cross-functional collaboration

• Expand influence by leading with curiosity, empathy, and clarity—regardless of positional authority

 

Investment for this course is $175.

Sign up with a colleague  (or two) from your museum and you each save $25 on registration (use code: Group)

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Join us and  build communication skills for navigating complex organizational relationships.​