Difficult Dialogues: Start Here

Welcome to our Difficult Dialogues LibGuides! This tab is for you to reference if you ever forget where to find something in our LibGuides. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to ask (Click here to go to the Contact Information & Resources Tab)!

What will you find on the LibGuides tabs? This LibGuide contains four tabs that contain information to help guide you through the different stages of facilitating a workshop. They include tabs on the preparation, implementation, and post-reflection process of the workshop, as well as a tab with contact information and resources. 

• "Before the Workshop" tab. Here you will find information about the workshop timing, communication, recommendations about co-facilitation, and guidelines for respectful dialogues. We recommend reviewing this material well in advance of hosting a workshop. Use this tab to plan the logistics of your workshop, and/or revise materials so they best suite your objectives and audience. Please note that, although you will need to review all the LibGuides tab in preparation for the workshop you are hosting, this tab will focus on the logistical elements.
• "Workshop" tab. Here you will find a general outline for a Difficult Dialogues workshop, a PowerPoint file to guide your Difficult Dialogues workshop, and a Word document with more detail about the Workshop. You will also find the materials you will need for a workshop. These materials may be used as is, if they fit your dialogue goals and audience, or revised for your needs.
• "After Workshop" tab. Here you will find follow-up workshop information and feedback surveys you may use. We recommend reviewing this tab upon completion of your workshop. It contains materials to help you reflect upon what occurred during the workshop, as well as tools for collecting feedback from your attendees.
• "Contact Information and Resources" tab. Here you will find contact information, as well as links to key resources for hosting Difficult Dialogues, and connecting with various groups and organizations. Please feel free to reach out to any one of us if you need help. 

To get started, please click on the "Before the Workshop" tab above to begin your planning!

What are Difficult Dialogues?

These Dialogues and materials are adapted from the work of Essential Partners. 

Dialogues are:

• A structured way of discussing difficult issues
• A way to work successfully with different people
• One tool of many that you can use when interacting with different groups (e.g., colleagues, professors, students) to promote a positive environment and create connections

What is the purpose of a dialogue workshop?

This workshop is meant to provide you with the opportunity to:

• Gain a better understanding of an issue
• Learn about others' perspectives
• Engage in and learn tools for guiding respectful discussions

What are the expectations and outcomes?

By the end of this workshop, you should be able to:

• Consider how navigating conflict or difficult situations is part of every work environment
• Identify strategies that create positive environments versus challenging environments
• Create agreed upon ground rules for discussions, such as in Studio Hour, the classroom, or the work environment
• Learn dialogue techniques you might use when conflict arises
• Use surveys to get feedback on the workshop you hosted