This course examines the skills required for effectively leading and managing change within organizations and in groups while recognizing that change is difficult. It prepares the student to identify, avoid, or manage common types of conflicts within organizations and presents the communication styles and strategies for working through conflict.

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand that change is an essential part of the life of individuals as well as organizations, but that does not make it any easier to accomplish or to endure.
2. Demonstrate the ability to discern organizational culture.
3. Distinguish when an organization needs to change and when things should be celebrated rather than changed.
4. Articulate the eight steps necessary to produce lasting change.
5. Be conversant with change theory and means of making change not only endurable, but anticipated.
6. Understand that conflict is inevitable and, at times, can be healthy for both individuals and organizations.
7. Recognize the reasons why conflicts between individuals occur and how those conflicts can be handled in appropriate ways.
8. Articulate the steps necessary to prevent conflict or, when conflict occurs, to resolve it.
9. Discern your own emotions during conflict and recognize that the only person you can control is you.
10. Demonstrate the ability to lead an organization into developing a conflict management process.

There are no prerequisites for this course.