Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conflict Competence topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Conflict‑competence training recommended for mayors and council members
Summary
Presenters promoted conflict‑competence techniques — active listening, separating positions from interests (the 'orange' story), and the '9 whys' exercise — as tools to reduce escalation in council meetings.
Molly, moderator with the Utah League of Cities and Towns, described practical conflict-resolution techniques she learned in a 12‑week conflict‑competence certificate course from Dr. Dania Ramoray, which the League has used with staff and city officials. She emphasized active listening, differentiating positions from interests and exercises such as the '9 whys' to identify underlying motivations.
"Recognizing that conflict just is," Molly told attendees, urging officials to rehearse active-listening skills and to prioritize process integrity so residents perceive decisions as legitimate. She encouraged cities to consider half-day training with Dr. Ramoray at League events and to use procedural rules to keep public comment from feeling pre‑decided.
