Say Hard Things, Build Strong Teams: Emotionally-Intelligent Communication to Navigate Conflict
Event Details
This event is offered in partnership with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN).
Challenging conversations are inevitable in any team, but how we approach them can make the difference between conflict and connection. Emotionally Intelligent Communication (EQ-Comms) offers a powerful framework rooted in neuroscience to help teams foster trust, improve collaboration, and transform difficult discussions into productive outcomes. In this workshop, participants will learn how to navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence, regulate emotional responses, and build psychological safety within their teams. Through interactive exercises and real-world applications, attendees will practice active listening, reframing conflict, and using EQ-Comms strategies to strengthen relationships. By the end of the session, teams will walk away with practical tools to engage in open, constructive dialogue and create a workplace culture where every voice is heard and valued.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the core principles of Emotionally Intelligent Communication (EQ-Comms) and their role in fostering trust, collaboration, and psychological safety in teams.
- Apply strategies for regulating emotional responses during high-stakes or conflict-based conversations to promote constructive outcomes.
- Demonstrate active listening, reframing, and perspective-taking skills through structured practice and interactive exercises.
- Use EQ-Comms tools and frameworks to navigate difficult conversations while maintaining connection and respect.
- Develop a personal action plan to integrate emotionally intelligent communication practices into daily team interactions and organizational culture.
For More Information:
Cost + Registration
- MANP members save $20!
- MANP members $50 / Nonmembers $70
- Enter code NCN when registering to receive the member discount. Please note that a separate user account is required on MCN's website to register.
- This virtual event will take place on the Zoom platform. Your access link will be emailed to you the day before the event after 1 p.m.
- This session will be recorded. The recording will be made available to registrants after the live event.
- Captioning is provided automatically through Zoom. For information on requesting CART, ASL, or another accommodation, please visit MCN's Registration Policies page.
- To learn more about events, registration, and payment, visit MCN's Event & Registration FAQ page.
About the Presenter
Kaitlin Desselle: My superpowers are developing emotionally-intelligent leaders and revolutionizing organizational cultures into the most profitable asset. I have a proven track record of authenticating company values to impact employee engagement, efficiency in systems, and rapid growth of bottom line.
I founded Wayfinders Coaching & Consulting after spending over a decade in operations management and people leadership in high-performance organizations. I’ve worked cross-functionally in HR, business development, change management and learning and development, and across many industries–from higher education, food service, and retail–to DEI consulting.
What I found along the way is that the core ingredients for successful relationships (and ultimately business growth) are rooted in emotional intelligence, trust-based communication, and intercultural competence. Now I offer coaching, training, consulting, and thought-partnership for individuals and teams seeking to build these skills.
I work with an incredibly diverse team of practitioners, with go-to methodologies that include critical HROD, change management frameworks, emotional intelligence (EQ-i), intercultural development (IDI), systems audits, and cultural assessments.