Strengthening Our Campus Community Through Meaningful Dialogue
In today's complex university environment, technical expertise isn't enough on its own. We need communication skills to help move things along. Whether you're a department chair navigating budget constraints, a staff member addressing workflow concerns or a faculty member collaborating on research, your ability to communicate effectively often determines your success and the success of the university.
"The truth is, many of us avoid or mishandle the conversations that matter most, which can leave problems unresolved, and relationships strained," says HR Talent Development Specialist Jasmine Mayes-Browning. This avoidance can create a ripple effect: small issues grow into conflicts, team dynamics suffer and institutional goals remain unmet.
The Skills Gap
The challenge is how to prepare for having meaningful and constructive conversations.
"Most of us never explicitly learn how to navigate high-stakes or sensitive conversations," says HRLearning and Organizational Development Specialist Beverly Pérez-Mercado.
"In the moment, emotions can run high, assumptions take over and it becomes difficult to balance candor with care."
This gap can affect employees on all levels, from those giving feedback to a coworker to senior administrators addressing performance issues. Without these skills, even well-intentioned conversations can derail, leaving people feeling frustrated and situations unresolved.
Building Skills Through Practice
The good news is that you can build these skills through deliberate practice and support with resources available to you right now.
To get started, HR has options for you, no matter your commitment level:
- Self-paced: LinkedIn Learning courses on giving feedback, listening and difficult conversations.
- Workshops and dialogues: Live practice with peers or with AI Role-Play using simple frameworks.
- Deeper learning: Programs like Crucial Conversations for advanced tools.
Like any skill, communication improves with deliberate practice. Workshops and guided frameworks can provide structure, but applying those skills in real time is where growth happens.
The AI role-play tool in LinkedIn Learning is an incredible resource to practice a difficult conversation and receive immediate feedback. With this tool, you can build confidence and refine your style before stepping into a real-life conversation.
Strong communication is more than a skill; it’s your foundation for collaboration, problem-solving, and contributing to our shared mission. When you prioritize developing dialogue skills, you strengthen both your own effectiveness and the sense of belonging across our campus community, where everyone can thrive.