Open the Front Door: Navigating Challenging Conversations

Perfect for faculty, staff, supervisors, and leaders seeking to strengthen communication skills and workplace relationships. Difficult conversations are inevitable but avoiding them often creates larger challenges. This interactive session introduces the OTFD (Observe, Think, Feel, Desire) framework, a practical communication tool that helps individuals approach sensitive conversations with clarity, empathy, and purpose. Through real-world examples from education and leadership, you will learn how to address performance concerns, conflict, accountability, and collaboration issues while preserving relationships and trust. Learn how to structure difficult conversations with confidence, reduce misunderstandings and defensiveness, communicate concerns clearly and respectfully, and foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and trust.