Navigating difficult conversations is a key part of leadership, especially in a divided world. Whether managing conflict, discussing deeply held values, or trying to understand someone’s lived experience and viewpoints, these moments require more than good intentions. They require skills. The Better Conversations, Stronger Leaders student certificate program helps JMU’s leaders build the skills to communicate clearly, navigate tension, and lead across differences in the workplace and in social life.

Students who complete the workshop will receive a Madison Center for Civic Engagement and SLI branded certificate to add to their resume or LinkedIn, highlighting their skills in leading through difficult conversations. Madison Center staff and faculty will lead the sessions, supported by Democracy Fellows who assist with skill-building activities.

Through interactive sessions (with snacks!), this certificate program equips student leaders with the skills and mindsets to lead thoughtful conversations in teams, classrooms, and communities. Participants will learn to:

• Understand their leadership profile as it relates to conflict
• Develop strategies for approaching and initiating difficult conversations that demonstrate good intentions.
• Listen deeply and reflectively to understand and show others their voice matters.
• Ask curious, constructive questions, share perspectives through storytelling, and adapt in real-time with self-awareness and flexibility.
• Navigate conflict with care, grasp complex contexts, and foster respectful dialogue.
• Lead across political and interpersonal differences with confidence and clarity.

This certificate program requires five 75-minute sessions, covering:

• Session 1: What Are Difficult Conversations and Why Are They Difficult?
  • Explore how bias and self-perception make conversations hard, and how we can approach them with more awareness.
  • Reflect on strategies for navigating conflict and discomfort from your own leadership style.
• Session 2: Leading with Heart for Better Conversations 
  • Use storytelling and moral foundations theory to reflect on what makes a conversation feel comfortable and how our values shape how we tell our story.
• Session 3: Listening to Understand in Constructive Conversations 
  • Practice deep listening as a way to understand others’ stories, values, and perspectives.
• Session 4: Asking Curious, Constructive Questions 
  • Learn how to ask open, curious questions that invite reflection and keep dialogue moving forward.
• Session 5: Putting It All Together: Better Conversations Over Dinner 
  • Apply what you’ve learned in real conversations across differences; reflect afterward on learning and skills developed.

Eligible students:

The certificate program is limited to no more than 30 students at one time. Students must commit to attending all five sessions to receive the certificate. We will attempt to build a diverse cohort of students from different majors and degree programs, credit hours, and leadership interests.

Application process:

We will ask students to apply to the program. The Madison Center will develop and administer a Teams-based application form. About a week prior to the start of the program, the Madison Center and SLI will review applications and select a cohort of students. SLI will notify students of their acceptance and share details of the first meeting.

Timeline and potential dates:

Applications open: Sept 8-26

Notification of acceptance: No later than Oct 1

Current meeting dates: Wednesday Oct 29, Nov 5, Nov 12, Nov 19, Dec 3 (dinner)

30-Minute Informational Sessions:

Friday, September 26th registration (zoom)

Wednesday, October 1st registration (in-person in Taylor 206)