Navigating Tough Talks: Critical Thinking as Communication Strategy

Presenter Information

Phillip Wagner

Presentation Type

Workshop

Start Date

10-1-2020 12:15 PM

End Date

10-1-2020 1:30 PM

Abstract

From #BLM to #MeToo, this session will explore critical thinking as communication strategy for executives and leaders seeking to respond to complexsocial issues.

Description

From #BLM to #MeToo, we live in a complex world where the lines between the personal and professional are increasingly blurred. In the last five years,we've seen how consequences in the bedroom complicate issues in the board room as allegations of sexual harassment spawned a new movement;similarly, as decades of racial unrest and police violence against communicates of color became increasingly documented, cries for racial justice led to adefining historical moment. Yet these issues do not exist within a social movement vacuum; they demand a personal response. Executive leaders andmanagers, in particular, may feel compelled to respond to social unrest in a way that conveys action while also balancing organizational identity andpropriety on the tightrope walk between organizations and society. In this session, participants will learn how Elder and Paul's critical thinking model canbe utilized to dissect complex social issues like those mentioned above to better prepare leaders to communicate a responsible and robust response. Byformulating vital questions and problems clearly, gathering and assessing relevant information, identifying assumptions, alternatives, biases, andimplications, and developing well-reasoned conclusions and solutions, executive leaders, in particular, can cultivate a communication strategy that iswell-informed, responsive, and robust.

Comments

Feedback survey