Tough Conversations
Listening to Others: Leading Courageously to Promote Diversity and Inclusion
Union 206, 2:00-2:40pm (Session Period 1)
The ability to listen is a needed skill that promotes diversity and inclusion. If listening is thought of as a social process that necessitates meaningful interaction with others, then the need to co-create common definitions through effective communication is paramount. Many organizational problems stem from an inability to truly listen to multiple stakeholders. Unfortunately, we live in a world where not all have the capacity to be seen and heard equally. The presenters will lead a facilitation around listening from two different perspectives: One will discuss interventions in an education program that emphasize the practice of listening as a skill for co-emerging a culture of diversity and inclusion within a group. Another will discuss coaching as an important leadership skill that promotes active and empathetic listening and one that can be used when trying to see and hear others. Both will engage the audience in active practice and skill development.
Presenters
Dr. Andrew J. Wefald
Associate Professor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
Andrew Wefald teaches leadership classes and conducts research broadly around the topic of leadership. Current projects include research examining self-authored leadership projects, coaching & coachability, and political skill. Research interests are mostly around leadership and psychology with a focus on quantitative data research methods. Specific interests include developing meaningful leadership projects for students and creating coaching cultures in the classroom and in the workplace. Andrew has published in referred journals such as the Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, Leadership and Organization Development Journal, Journal of Management Inquiry, and the Journal of Organizational Behavior among others. Andrew earned his PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Kansas State University.
Dr. Trish Gott
Interim Director/Assistant Professor, Staley School of Leadership Studies
Trisha Gott works with student programs and leadership education, providing support to community-engaged learning experiences locally and around the world. She designs and oversees curricular and co-curricular learning experiences with partners from the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Gott also supports campus engagement efforts and directs an institution-wide faculty and staff development institute. She works on the Young African Leaders Initiatives for Kansas State. Gott has a bachelor’s of arts degree in modern languages, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership, a doctorate in Educational Leadership and a graduate certificate in Qualitative Research from Kansas State University. She has a certificate in Service-Learning and Community-Engaged Learning in Postsecondary Education from Portland State University.
