TMCnet News
Wilkes University offers seminar on conflict management [The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.](Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 31--WILKES-BARRE -- Educating supervisors on how to turn conflict into creative opportunities for innovation is the goal behind a free seminar to be offered at Wilkes University. Conflicts happen in the workplace -- but they do not have to be a negative experience, said Matthew Sowcik, director of Leadership Education with the Jay S. Sidhu School of Business and Leadership at Wilkes University, Wilkes-Barre. Society is preconditioned to see conflicts as a negative. Sowcik aims to change this perception through a seminar called, "Moving Beyond Conflict to Collaboration and Creativity" held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19, in the second floor ballroom of the Henry Student Center, off West South Street. Conflict in the workplace -- with proper management skills -- can be turned into an opportunity for creativity, he said. Handled correctly, the experience could result in a new idea, and the development of a culture strong in communication and mutual respect. If a situation is mismanaged or avoided by management, employees may become isolated and unwilling to connect with one another, which will prevent innovation and creativity in the work place, he said. "Employees may hesitate to work through specific situations to avoid conflict with one another, hindering communication and innovation," Sowcik said. Sowcik promises the seminar, hosted by the Wilkes University Family Business Alliance, will be an energetic and interactive evening. Passionate about the topic, Sowcik intends to teach skills for business leaders on staying calm in the face of conflict, becoming comfortable with ambiguity, and being open to possibilities. "Leaders need to become comfortable with conflict," Sowcik said. The program was developed through a combined effort with the Wilkes University Family Business Alliance and Sowcik to find ways to promote creativity in the workplace. The Wilkes University Family Business Alliance is a local business member organization developed to provide services for family owned businesses and community. "Creativity is a tool that can change cultures," Sowcik said. Reach Eileen Godin at 570-991-6387 or on Twitter at TLNews. ___ (c)2014 The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) Visit The Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, Pa.) at www.timesleader.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |