This workshop offers practical tools for PhD students and postdocs in science to approach conflicts constructively. We deal with conflicts in teams, international collaborations and with superiors, teach proven approaches and analyze real-life situations. Participants can bring in their own cases, discuss challenges in an atmosphere of trust and receive support. Strengthen your conflict management skills and promote a positive research environment!

Starting Point:
Young scientists often face difficult situations. Conflicts may arise with colleagues, within (international) cooperations and with the supervisor or the supervisee. All parties involved will have different interests at times – or just a communication style one may find challenging. This can lead to a loss of motivation and productivity of individuals and whole teams. Yet, to address conflicts openly is not easy: PhD candidates may feel in a position of dependency, or might just not want to upset anybody.

Workshop Content:
In this workshop, the participants will learn about practical tools that will allow them to address conflicts and to handle them in a constructive way. We will analyse situations of conflicts in teams, (international) collaborations and with supervisors/ superiors and practice resolving issues or problems between two or more people. We will have a look at individual styles in dealing with conflicts and work on how to handle also emotionally difficult situations.
The participants can bring own cases from their work life. In a trustful atmosphere they will have the chance to discuss own issues and experience each other’s support.

Workshop Objectives:
• Understand how conflicts arise and what happens if not addressed
• Know how to represent and enforce your interests
• Address conflicts in the team and to work towards a solution
• Use communication tools to facilitate constructive conversations
• Developing awareness of how different (e.g. cultural) backgrounds may influence conflicts/communication styles

Gaby Schilling holds a PhD in chemistry and a BSc. in psychology. She worked for over 17 years in various management positions at a DAX 30 company in Germany and the USA, leading teams of experts and managers and gaining extensive experience in all phases of working with employees - from recruitment to development, promotion and change. Ms. Schilling has supplemented her practical experience with training as a business, career and team coach, trainer, mediator and e-tutor. She has been self-employed since 2012, coaching scientists and training groups of doctoral candidates and postdocs. Her focus is on the transition from academia to industry (positioning, orientation, application) and leadership, conflict and communication topics.