Scientists have to communicate on many levels with fellow researchers, experts from other disciplines, colleagues, superiors, cooperation partners, politicians, administrative staff and the public. It is not always easy to adapt to the language and level of knowledge of the other person and to formulate one's own thoughts in such a way that they reach the other person exactly as intended. Unclear communication leads to misunderstandings and conflicts. Finding the right tone, being convincing or even asserting oneself, developing understanding for other opinions and ways of expressing oneself, interpreting and using body language and much more are skills that can be practiced in order to demonstrate professionalism and achieve positive results when dealing with one another. Be inspired by these sample workshops:

 

 

Communication & Diversity

 

 

Visibility for Women
Women scientists continue to be underrepresented in both academic science and industry. They face conflicts and hurdles based on both structural conditions and individual attitudes and perceptions.

 

Content

The participants reflect on their own perception. Structural conditions are examined and male and female communication patterns are compared. They learn how to gain and project more inner strength in difficult situations with the help of their body and voice.

 
In addition, participants are provided with a range of tactics to respond appropriately to provocations and unfair behavior. They have the opportunity to practice self-confident behavior in negotiation situations, e.g. salary and promotion negotiations. Through feedback from the group, the trainer and a male counterpart, the participants can compare and adjust self-perception with external perception. In this way, they learn to use their strengths in a purposeful way and to assert themselves.

 

Learning objectives

  • Know and overcome different communication patterns
  • Reflect on self- and external perception
  • Understanding the role of structural circumstances
  • Learn to assert yourself as a woman
  • Develop strategies for difficult situations

 

Target group

Female scientists

 

Group size

Max. 10 participants

 

Methods

Activities in small groups and in plenary, drama-based exercises, role plays (voluntary), some with male counterpart

 

Duration

2 days
Diverse Teams
The globalized world brings together international, diverse teams that work together more or less successfully on projects and share workplaces. Due to different expectations and behaviors, but also due to different needs, intercultural conflicts occur time and again in this multicultural working world, costing companies, universities and organizations nerves, time and money. For project success in collaborations, it is therefore important to know about the specific cultural characteristics and to adapt individually to the respective cooperation partners or colleagues and the situation.

 

Content

To ensure a strong practical relevance to the working situation, the specific questions and examples of the participants will be included in the training whenever possible. Focal points are:

  • Dealing with stereotypes and clichés
  • Awareness of one's own and others' perceptions
  • Reflection of own cultural values and imprinting
  • Multicultural teams, countries and characteristics
  • Communication, factual and personal focus, leadership, indirect communication

 

Learning objectives

  • Acquire relevant knowledge about culture
  • Sensitivity for cultural conditionality of thinking, perceiving and acting
  • Expand behavioral repertoire for intercultural encounters
  • Develop successful strategies for action

 

Target group

PhD students, postdocs, members of the entire research group

 

Group size

Max. 12 participants

 

Methods

Motivational talks, presentations, plenary and small group work, individual exercises, Metalog tools

 

Duration

2 days

Negotiation
Scientists negotiate every day - at different levels and hierarchies, within their own institution and beyond its borders, and also in their private lives. Negotiations often take place in difficult situations where feelings can be hurt and positions can harden to the point where a solution or breakthrough seems unattainable.

 

Content

The participants in this workshop will become aware of the importance of negotiation as a basis for change. They will get to know their own negotiation style and learn to gain confidence in doing so. How to prepare for and conduct negotiations will be discussed and practiced.

 

Learning objectives

  • Understand different negotiation and decision-making strategies
  • Know which approach is appropriate in a given situation
  • Think more clearly, act more wisely, and move more purposefully in the desired direction

 

Target group

Scientists and academics who want to negotiate more successfully

 

Group size

Max. 12 participants

 

Methods

Motivational talks, presentations, small and large group work, simulations and role plays, individual exercises, video clips if desired, Metalog tools

 

Duration

2 days

Conflict resolution
PhD students are often confronted with difficult situations. Conflicts can arise among colleagues, within (international) collaborations and with the supervisor. All parties involved at times have different interests - or simply a communication style that one finds challenging. This can lead to a loss of motivation and productivity of individuals and entire teams. Addressing conflicts openly, however, is not easy: PhDs may feel they are in a position of dependency or may just not want to upset anyone. Or they simply lack the knowledge of how to address conflicts.

 

Content

In this workshop, the participants will learn practical tools that enable them to address conflicts and deal with them in a constructive way. We will analyze situations of conflict in teams, in (international) cooperations and with superiors and practice resolving issues or problems between two or more people. We will take a look at personal conflict management styles and work on how to handle even emotionally difficult situations.

The participants can bring their own examples from their working life. In a trusting atmosphere, they will have the opportunity to discuss their own issues and experience mutual support.

 

Learning objectives

  • Understand how conflicts arise and what happens if not addressed
  • Know how to represent and assert your interests
  • Address conflicts within the team and work toward a resolution
  • Employ communication tools to facilitate constructive conversations
  • Develop awareness of how different (e.g., cultural) backgrounds can influence conflicts / communication styles

 

Target group

Doctoral students

 

Group size

Max. 12 participants

 

Methods

Impulse lectures, presentations, group and small group work, individual work, drama exercises

 

Duration

2 days


 
 

Contact

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Barbara Hoffbauer
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