When we don’t engage in specific communication strategies, our busyness will keep us from connecting with others, especially when others are different. But by practicing a few simple communication and behavioral strategies, we will be much more equipped to build meaningful relationships across differences.

Workshop Description:

Consider the following:

Stage One: Psuedo-community. Relationships are half an inch deep and fake. We act like we all get along, but we really can’t stand each other. There is no sense of belonging here. We know it. The students know it. The parents know it.

Stage Two: Chaos. We quit pretending that we like each other, and we finally aired our differences. The hounds of hell have been released. Everyone wants to be off this campus.

Stage Three: Surrender. We’ve accepted that we are stuck with each other, and we’ve proven that we’ve only hurt each other in the process of trying to change each other. Now, I’m willing to surrender my agenda (and all other barriers to our communication) so that I might understand you. This is hard work, but at least now we have hope.

Stage Four: Community. We still don’t agree on everything, but we’ve learned to treat each other with dignity and respect. Our campus is a relationally safe environment. We share a sense of belonging and purpose. This is the place where lives are impacted. Everyone wants on this campus.

Now, a question: At which stage is your faculty? We’ll explore the stages of community in greater detail, and we’ll conclude with practical strategies to empower you to lead your campus to Stage Four—it is attainable, and it is where we live our best lives.

Learning Outcomes:

• Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the characteristics of each stage of community.

• Participants will gain strategies to move the quality of their relationships from Stage One to Stage Four. These strategies are applicable to every one-on-one or group relationship with peers, colleagues, family, or significant others.