What It Is

The demands of modern work take a measurable toll on how we think, relate and lead. These demands include:

• Sustained pressure
• Rapid change
• Constant cognitive load

Our capacity to regulate emotions, manage internal states and sustain cognitive performance is not fixed. It is trainable. Research from U-M and the emerging field of mental fitness science supports this potential.

Collective bargaining agreements are increasing. This impacts the management practices of existing and new supervisors. In this course, we will provide:

Disagree and Commit

Most teams do not fail because they have conflict. They fail because they have the wrong conflicts and/or avoid the right conflicts. The highest-performing teams learn how to: 

Today's workplace asks leaders and team members to handle tough conversations, build trust and help others grow. This hands-on session teaches a coaching mindset that anyone can use.

You will learn key skills like:

• Listening well
• Asking good questions
• Being present
• Assuming the best in others

These skills lead to more positive, open conversations.

This two-hour lab helps you practice what you learned in the Courageous Conversations course. You will work with others in a safe, supportive space to try new strategies during tough conversations.

In this session, you will practice having brave conversations. You’ll use real-life examples to help you. You’ll reflect on your reactions. You’ll also learn easy ways to stay calm, listen well, and speak clearly, even about difficult topics.

In this course, you will learn how to have important and sometimes uncomfortable conversations. These talks are called "courageous conversations." They help us understand each other, share our feelings, and make our relationships stronger and better.

During the course, you will explore:

• The basics of how we communicate 

• Why courageous conversations are important

• The key ideas behind courageous conversations

• Helpful tips and guidelines to make these conversations successful

This practice-based lab is a follow-up to the Giving and Receiving Feedback course. It offers a dynamic environment to build confidence while applying feedback skills. You will practice using realistic scenarios and the IDEA model. 

This lab is a sequel to Communication Styles in the Workplace. In this session, you'll adapt your communication style using real-world scenarios. We will engage in role-plays to elevate your skills and spark peer feedback. Plus, you will build your confidence using the powerful Straight Talk® framework.

Feedback is not just about looking at the past—it’s about helping people grow. In this session, you will learn how to use the IDEA feedback model for performance reviews to support development. You will practice giving feedback that builds trust, encourages growth and sets clear goals for the future. This course provides easy tools and examples to make performance talks a regular part of your leadership, not just once a year.

You will learn to:

• Use the IDEA model to guide development conversations

Ever wonder what the “something” is that makes great leaders great? It’s emotional intelligence. In today’s work environment, it’s often more important than technical knowledge and skills. This brief, practical program lays the foundation for what emotional intelligence is and how to use it. We will also cover how you can  strengthen your skills in these areas: