From Conflict to Connection: Navigating Difficult Conversations for Leaders

From Conflict to Connection: How Leaders Can Navigate Difficult Conversations

Motivational communication skills to build trust and create psychological safety

Difficult conversations don’t have to create defensiveness or disconnection. In this 60-minute live online session, leaders will learn practical communication tools—drawn from Motivational Interviewing—to build trust, foster psychological safety, and navigate challenging conversations with more clarity and confidence.

In this session, you will learn how to:

• Foster psychological safety to support honest dialogue
• Use reflective listening to keep conversations constructive
• Give feedback using the Ask–Offer–Ask framework
• Apply motivational communication skills rooted in partnership, acceptance, compassion, and empowerment

Includes: a downloadable Reflection Guide and 7-day replay access.

Who it’s for: Supervisors, managers, HR staff, program leads, and anyone who supports or develops others at work.

About the facilitator: Mary Beth Abella, MSW, is a leadership and communication trainer with 20+ years of experience delivering evidence-based communication programs for government, healthcare, education, entertainment industry, and community organizations. A member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Mary Beth has designed statewide leadership programs, trained trainers, and led large-scale implementation efforts to improve engagement, communication, and team performance.