This is a CARLI Professional Development Alliance event. To register for this event visit the CARLI Event Calendar.

When someone gets in a disagreement with us, or when someone fails to meet expectations in their work, or when someone acts in violation of rules, procedure, or social convention, we make certain assumptions. We assume they are choosing to act inappropriately. We assume that they understand the problem the same way we understand it. We assume that if they truly meant well, they would not be acting the way they are acting.

In this second session of the Successful Workplace Communications Series, we will explore a big-picture perspective that will assist you with all interpersonal communications in the workplace. Ben Mead Harvey will present the case that others' intentions are irrelevant in deciding how to handle situations. Further, he will propose that you always assume they are acting with good intentions, even when there is evidence to the contrary. We will discuss techniques that encourage you to assume positive intent and explore the effectiveness of those strategies.