Workshop offers guidance on how to communicate in difficult times

Communities, schools, nonprofits, and workplaces are facing increasingly complex challenges, and an upcoming workshop at Columbia College will offer a different approach to handling the difficult conversations that can stifle creativity and collaboration.

On May 14, local leadership coach and facilitator Kimberly Lee of Labyrinth Leadership Group will lead “Better Meetings. Better Conversations: A New Kind of Leadership,” an interactive workshop focused on helping people design gatherings and conversations that create trust, participation, and shared ownership.

Lee also serves as vice president of the Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce.

“How we gather and where we focus our discussions shapes what’s possible,” Lee said. “New conversations create a new future. The most important people are the ones in the room, and the most important conversation is the one happening now.”

The workshop will introduce a practical ninepart approach known as the “Art of Convening,” developed by the Center for Purposeful Leadership in Minneapolis and used in schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, and leadership programs around the world.

Lee said the approach is especially relevant in today’s climate.

“Many people are tired of meetings that feel routine, disconnected, or polarized,” Lee said. “The Art of Convening helps people create conversations where participants genuinely engage, contribute ideas, and take ownership of outcomes.”

Registration information is available through Columbia College Community Education online at https://events. hometownticketing.com/ boxoffice/claimjumpers/ L2VTYMVKL2V2ZW50LZMYMA==

Participants will explore how to:

• Align people on outcomes.

• Invite and reward meaningful participation.

• Work constructively with differing viewpoints.

• Design gatherings that lead to high motivation and buy-in.

Participants are encouraged to bring a real meeting, event, or leadership challenge they are currently facing and work directly on it during the workshop.

“It’s very practical,” Lee said. “People leave with something they can immediately use.”

The workshop may be especially valuable for:

• Teachers and school administrators.

• Managers and team leaders.

• Nonprofit and civic leaders.

• Board members.

• Facilitators and event organizers.

• Anyone responsible for bringing people together.

Lee, a Professional Certified Coach and Certified Art of Convening Leader, works with leaders and organizations on leadership development and team effectiveness.

The workshop will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in Buckeye 103 at Columbia College. Cost is $50 per person, with an optional Art of Convening workbook and journal available for $15. For questions, contact kim@ labyrinthleader.org or text 925-895-6072.