Wandering Workshops

Man teaching room of students

 

Wandering Workshops offer a unique opportunity for our campus community to engage in free, dynamic sessions led by Peer-2-Peer (P2P) Facilitators. These workshops, lasting 45-90 minutes, are designed to help participants explore a variety of topics and tools, fostering the development of skills that can be immediately applied in their work environments. Our P2P Facilitators are alumni of Leading Others, Management Intensive and Workplace Skills and bring firsthand experience to each session. While they may not be traditional subject matter experts, their real-world insights and applications make these workshops both relevant and impactful.

Hosting a Wandering Workshop is easy! Whether you're a team member, a manager of a team or a supervisor of many, you can initiate professional development among your colleagues.

If you're interested in bringing this valuable resource to your team, simply complete our below. A member of the Organizational Development & Talent Management team will reach out to assist you in planning your session. As a host, you will need to provide:

  • a space with moveable tables and chairs
  • a computer and projector with sound
  • workshop supplies (a list will be provided by the facilitator)
  • refreshments (optional)

Join us in creating a vibrant learning environment that enhances collaboration and growth within our community!

Learn how to become a Peer-2-Peer Facilitator

Wandering Workshops Sessions

Unpacking Untested Assumptions

~60 minutes

Uncover the power of perception and bias. Discover how assumptions can influence our relationships and personal interactions. This workshop will focus on how shifting attention can help us to be more effective in relationships.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain how our ladders of inference affect perception 
  2. Describe the rungs of the ladder of inference
  3. Rethink a situation using the ladder of inference

The Power of Powerful Open Questions

~45-60 minutes

Inquiry is key to effective communication. When we inquire using Powerful Open Questions (POQs), we show genuine curiosity about the (whole) person with whom we are engaged. The non-judgemental and exploratory nature of POQs sets the stage for mutual understanding and collaborative thinking. In this workshop, participants will experiment with this pragmatic tool and leave better equipped to invite others into generative conversations.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Describe key elements of a Powerful Open Question (POQ)
  2. Use POQs in conversation
  3. Identify opportunities to use POQs in their own context

Roots of Conflict

~45-60 minutes

In times of conflict, our assumptions can inhibit clear communication. Judgments and biases can seep into our interactions, increasing distance between ourselves and others. This workshop will address how to consciously express ourselves without charged, assumption-filled language, enhancing our chances of being truly heard and fostering genuine understanding.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Practice expressing yourself more effectively 
  2. Understand how to neutralize inflammatory language when communicating in conflict
  3. Discern “weeds” from “roots” in conflict

Embracing Change: Cultivating a Growth Mindset

~45-60 minutes

The right mindset is crucial in effectively navigating change. Being aware of how our thoughts can influence our actions and reactions in a time of uncertainty can help us shift our attitude from one of avoidance to optimism. This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to examine their own personal/professional changes from a growth mindset.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset
  2. Describe an upcoming personal or professional change from a growth mindset

Clarifying Expectations

~45-60 minutes

Explore how perception and bias shape our communication, self-expression and relationships. This workshop will guide participants in clarifying their own expectations and those of others, identifying tensions that need to be resolved. 

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

  1. Explain how our “ladders of inference” can create communication and collaboration challenges
  2. Use the Absolute Framing tool to clarify expectations -- their own and other peoples’

Building Trust 

~90 minutes

Trust is essential for effective collaboration and communication in teams, fostering authenticity, respect and accountability. It encourages openness, risk-taking and mutual support. This workshop will translate trust into actionable behaviors and encourage participants to practice new techniques.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

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