Designed primarily for campus and university leaders, these resources feature ideas for facilitating and engaging in difficult or contentious conversations in a variety of contexts. Please feel free to use and distribute these resources as you see fit.
A checklist for contentious meetings
This checklist of promising ideas is designed for campus leaders as they prepare for potentially contentious meetings. Thanks for Tom Gregoire, emeritus dean of OSU's College of Social work for his significant contributions to this project.
A one-page reminder for difficult campus conversations
A short list of ideas for having potentially fraught conversations about politics and other topics that divide us. For more reading, see the list at the bottom of this webpage.
A short list of ideas for post-election conversations
This card offers ideas for post-election conversations between individuals who might have voted for different parties or candidates – ideas which promote mutual understanding.
In addition, the card offers a list of simple resources for difficult post-election conversations.
PRESENTATION: Unpacking the Presidential Election – Can We Talk?
This presentation further illustrates ideas for post-election conversations. Nine interdisciplinary leaders from the Ohio State community quickly highlight one productive way to engaged in a difficult conversation. Designed for Ohio State students, the principles discussed in this video will resonate broadly with many communities.
DCP Campus Leaders Post-Election Checklist
University leaders have an opportunity post-election to become trusted sources of accurate information, to remind students, faculty, staff, and their community about common values, and to bridge differences to build understanding. The public tends to trust their integrity and non-partisan approach. This card offers a checklist of considerations for campus leaders.
Easy-to-read manuals and online resources:
- Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen, Difficult Conversations (1999).
- Roger Fisher, William Ury, and Bruce Patton, Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In (2nd ed. 1991).
- Patterson, R. McMillan, J. Grenny and A. Switzler, Crucial Conversations (2012).
- Mark Sullivan, THRIVE: When Trouble Visits! Being Your Best in Tough Times (2020).
- Caleb Benson, Emotional Intelligence: Improving Mindset, Stress, Anger Management, Relationships, and Social Intelligence (EI 2.0, Book 1)
- Maggie Herzig & Laura Chasin, Fostering Dialogue Across Divides: A Nuts and Bolts Guide From the Public Conversations Project (Public Conversations Project 2006).
- Free webinar on “How to Have Difficult Conversations about Race,” from OSU Adjunct Professor Kwame Christian, https://americannegotiationinstitute.com