Listening for a Change: Skills for Dialogue

Turn competition into collaboration through dialogue. This course will explore and clarify the difference between debate and dialogue to help you build stronger relationships, create shared understanding, and cultivate collaboration.

Listening for a Change: Skills for Dialogue

Communication has a powerful impact on outcomes. Learn how you can help create solutions that are innovative, sustainable, and “owned” by a group by embracing dialogue over debate.

In a competitive culture, many of us have learned to listen in ways that strengthen our arguments  - and not take into consideration the differing perspectives of others. We choose to engage in debate, argue, persuade or even manipulate others into doing it “our way”.  The usual response: defensiveness, escalating arguments, withdrawal, lack of implementation - even sabotage of decisions.

To create and sustain more inclusive communities we need a different approach.  Dialogue supports us in exploring multiple perspectives, in slowing down and in listening deeply. When we relate to others with curiosity and compassion we can transform the old model of competition to a new one of collaborative positive change.

 

Learn how to use dialogue to

• Feel more grounded when having challenging conversations
• Slow down and check out assumptions before they escalate into conflict
• Move from defensiveness and judgment to more open engagement
• Excavate beyond positional statements to understand “what’s really going on”
• Ask inquiry questions that gather more useful information
  

Participant Comments

About the facilitators

Kathy and Denise conduct trainings for audiences including educators, clergy, law enforcement, healthcare, government, and the corporate sector.  Join this dynamic duo for a hands-on learning experience that will prepare you for immediate application of the skills. 

Kathy Germann has facilitated trainings on a broad range of human relations issues since 1982.  She’s taught on three college campuses, been a manager in two non-profits, and served as an ad hoc instructor for the Division of Continuing Studies for twenty years.  Kathy brings a deep sense of passion and a healthy sense of humor to her work.

Denise Jess has facilitated trainings on a wide range of human relations issues since the mid-1980’s.  She taught in a learner-centered classroom for eleven years and has authored published curricula.  Denise is deeply committed to supporting learners in creating inclusive environments where the voices of all members are respected.

On September 24th Kathy Germann and Denise Jess were guests on “At Issue with Ben Merens” on WPR's Ideas Network. Visit the program site to listen to the archived episode.

General information

Schedule: Check-in begins at 8 am. Workshop runs from 8:30 am-4:30 pm on both days.

Location: The workshop will be held at The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St. Parking information will be sent with your enrollment confirmation. The building is accessible to people with disabilities.

Fee: $290 includes instruction, materials, refreshment breaks, CEUs and a non-refundable administration fee of $20. Lunch is on your own.

Registration deadlines: We ask that you register no later than one week before the program.

Cancellation policy: If you are unable to attend or arrange for a substitute, you may obtain a refund minus the $20 administrative fee by contacting our registration department at least 3 business days prior to the program. If you cancel 3 business days or less before the program, or do not attend, you are responsible for the entire fee. To cancel or arrange for a substitute, please call 800-725-9692.

Accommodations: Please make your own travel/lodging arrangements. Information on accommodations will be sent with your registration confirmation. Information about overnight accommodations can also be found on our general information page.

Parking: You receive parking information with your enrollment confirmation. Day-long parking permits are available for enrollees on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking ramps and surface lots are located within a few blocks of the Pyle Center.

Additional parking and transportation information (including parking maps) can be found on the UW-Madison Visitor Information page. Visit: http://vip.wisc.edu/plan-your-visit/map/

Credit:

Approved Hours/Continuing Education Credits:
1.4 CEU = 14 hours of professional continuing education for the program.

Social Workers: The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Professional Development and Applied Studies, (PDAS), (provider number #1042) is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), (800-225-6880) through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. PDAS maintains responsibility for the program.
WI, IA, MI and MN Boards of Social Work recognize ACE programs.
IL Registered Social Worker Continuing Education Sponsor #159.000243.
Counselors: PDAS is recognized by the National Board for Certified Counselors to offer continuing education for National Certified Counselors. PDAS adheres to NBCC continuing education guidelines (Provider #5990).
WI Psychologists, and Marriage and Family Therapists: Qualifies as an accredited university continuing education course relevant to professional practice.
WI Substance Abuse Counselors: Qualifies as a continuing education course consisting of relevant subject matter taught by qualified presenters.
Educators: This program may qualify towards your Professional Development Plans (PDPs).
Other professions: Completion of each program qualifies for continuing education hours. Contact your own board or organization for specific continuing education requirements.

Registration options

By phone: Call 608-262-7942 or 800-725-9692.

By mail: Print, complete and mail the Continuing Studies registration form.

Online: Secure online registration is available for this program.