Content level: introductory

This interactive session helped participants design meetings that are purposeful, engaging, and outcome driven. Participants learned how to determine whether a meeting is truly necessary, identify the right participants, and clarify their purpose while crafting strategies that align with their desired results. Together, they explored group dynamics and introduce practical frameworks to guide their planning, including the TOP Model for structuring meetings, Tuckman’s stages for understanding group development, and the Diamond of Participatory Decision-Making for navigating discussion flow. By the end of the session, participants left with actionable strategies to engage participants, respect their time, and ensure their meetings deliver meaningful outcomes.

Presentation deck.

Content level: introductory to intermediate

Even the most well-designed meetings can derail when emotions rise, power dynamics surface, or participants disengage. Great facilitation requires more than managing an agenda; it requires actively managing the emotional energy of the group. Drawing from the NeuroLeadership Institute’s SCARF model (Status, Certainty, Autonomy, Relatedness, Fairness) and the Organizational Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC) frameworks, this session explored how to create psychologically safe, adaptive spaces for better group collaboration and decision-making.

Presentation deck.

Content level: introductory

Effective decisions don’t just happen—they require structure, clarity, and inclusion. In this interactive session, we will explore practical models and techniques for guiding group decisions, including strategies for building group consensus. We’ll share a framework for defining roles, clarifying responsibilities, and engaging multiple perspectives. By learning how to create transparent and inclusive processes, you’ll help your group make better decisions—ones that build trust and strengthen collaboration.

Content level: introductory to intermediate

Conflict often triggers discomfort and avoidance, but what if it could become a catalyst for trust and growth? In this session, you’ll learn to spot signs that tension is building and gain insight into your own conflict style. We’ll explore a practical framework for viewing conflict as a vital component of trust, and you’ll leave with actionable tools for de-escalating conflict when tension arises.

Content level: introductory 

Given all the changes at UW-Madison, many of us are being asked to rethink how we do our work and improve our processes.

This interactive session will walk you through some of the key components of continuous improvement and process mapping. You’ll learn the fundamentals of various process mapping techniques and then be introduced to some advanced practices for visualizing and analyzing processes. You’ll hear real-world examples demonstrating the practical application of a variety of tips and tricks. By the end of the session, you’ll know how to understand current processes and identify opportunities for improvement in your work.

This day-long session requires a $150 registration fee. Meals will be provided and breaks will be offered throughout the day. Registration is limited to 40 participants.