Navigating Difficult Situations in Academic Workplaces

NAVIGATING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS IN ACADEMIC WORKPLACES draws on principles of performance and research to examine how faculty and academic leaders respond to challenging interpersonal and departmental dynamics. The workshop focuses on practical intervention and mediation strategies within both individual interactions and broader departmental policies and processes.

Participants observe nuanced, realistic scenes that surface common tensions in academic environments, including miscommunication, escalation, ambiguity, and informal power dynamics. The performance creates a structured opportunity to analyze how difficult moments unfold in real time.

Through facilitated dialogue and reflective tools, attendees examine their own decision-making patterns and practice strategies for addressing concerns constructively. The session emphasizes professional responsibility, clear communication, and actionable steps for strengthening departmental climate and collegial working relationships.

Faculty and academic leaders leave with practical strategies for:

 Identifying bystander moments in meetings and informal interactions

• Intervening constructively without escalating conflict
• Navigating difficult conversations across rank and role
• Aligning informal practices with formal policies and governance standards
• Addressing patterns in departmental climate before they solidify
• Clarifying reporting pathways and mediation options
• Modeling professional accountability in high-stakes environments

 Available in-person and Zoom.