P R O F E S S I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T Dealing with Conflict: Communication Skills to Manage and Resolve Tension O ne of our most vexing yet common challenges is how to deal with conflict effectively. This course is designed for those who desire greater nuance in communicating with others during difficult and seem- ingly intransigent conflicts and missed connections. Effective listening and communicating with clarity and fluency result in decreased stress, increased job satisfac- tion, commitment to relationships, and accountability for work performance. In this course, we will explore seeds of conflict, methods to prevent or redirect its trajectory, and specific templates to either manage or resolve conflict. We will focus on dealing with difficult bosses and co-workers, challenging employees, and mystifying family members. Through training in asking effective and creative questions, participating in role-plays and case studies, and receiving feedback, students will analyze and create inventive ways to address their most difficult interpersonal dilemmas. Students will learn specific techniques for establishing boundaries, calling out offensive behavior, managing power differences, and defusing conflict with precision and grace. Theories from prominent communication scholars, negotiation experts, and relationship professionals will be used as source material. By the end of the course, students will have a deeper understanding of their own conflict style, various ways to address different types and sources of conflict, and a greater repertoire of skills for deci- phering messages and discerning the most effective communication path forward. Advanced-level proficiency in spoken English is required. m a r i a n n e n eu W i rt h Oral Communication Coach, Consultant, and Trainer Marianne Neuwirth coaches and consults with students at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and various other departments at Stanford, local professionals, and international executives, teaching leadership, persuasion, storytelling, public speaking, and conflict resolution skills and courses. She also trains researchers on how to communicate their work publicly and conversationally in succinct and compelling ways. She received a PhD in communication from the University of Utah. COM 70 Wednesdays, 7:00 – 9:15 pm (PT) 8 weeks, June 28 – August 16 1 unit, $590 Limit: 30 Refund Deadline: June 30 Grade Restriction: No letter grade Course Format: On-campus Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840), Chinese lilac (Lilac rothomagensis) from Traité des Arbres et Arbustes que l’on cultive en France en pleine terre, 1801–1819. Original from the New York Public Library. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel. Learn more about our new Continuing Studies course “Drawing Flowers: An Introduction to Botanical Art” (page 16). 82 S T A N F O R D C O N T I N U I N G S T U D I E S