Managing conflicts

PhD candidates often find themselves in a complex network of relationships with supervisors, superiors and colleagues – a situation that can easily give rise to conflict. As a rule, most of these conflicts are related to unclear agreements, diverging expectations, competition, and the difficulty of taking on sole responsibility for academic work while at the same time remaining dependent on others. If emerging conflicts can be recognized and resolved quickly – or if constructive solutions can be found – they no longer pose an obstacle to earning a PhD.

These are the main subjects of the course:

• Foundations of communication and conflict theory
• Analyzing conflicts and conflict potential using participants' real-life examples
• Critical reflection of PhD candidates' own expectations, goals, ideals
• Developing a strategy for resolving conflicts
• Using communication techniques in conflict situations
• Strengthening personal resources such as self-confidence, ability to accept criticism, self-reliance
• Intercultural aspects and Diversity Management

The course is interactive and offers theoretical background information, but is not overly theoretical. Participants will

• gain insight into basic theories of communication and conflicts
• use practical exercises to help enhance their communicative and cooperative skills. Examples of the methods include group coaching, small groups, or, on request, practicing newly won communication strategies in role playing
• learn to observe and reflect on their own behavior and motives
• acquire planning and communication skills to prevent conflicts
• develop strategies for dealing with conflicts

4 September 2019 23:59

25 September 2019 TBA
2 October 2019 RAA-E-30
23 October 2019 TBA