Miscommunication in the workplace can cripple productivity and stifle innovation. Interpersonal dialogue can be misinterpreted, causing tension, stress, and depressive workplace environments. This workshop highlights best practices for effective and fluid communication across and among teams. Whether the communication is written or verbal, aggressive or passive, we hone in on the subtleties that make communication […]
Effective Communication Read More »
There are a variety of roles that are key to effective teams. Some individuals will take on leadership roles and others appreciate supporting from behind-the-scenes. This program focuses on the individual within the group and how groups behave. Emphasis is placed on team building, motivation, and dealing with conflict and stressors. Participants learn about different
Workplace Collaboration Read More »
We all rely on our perceptions, experiences, and interpretations to define our values, beliefs, and behaviors. But often we are unaware of the filters that exist in our minds and how these filters can work against our best interests. Unconscious bias affects our friendships and relationships, and they also play out in recruitment, promotions, performance
Stress and anxiety are real challenges in today’s professional workplace. Stress can be a toxic internal pollutant that is distracting and upsetting, yet it also can be a driver for bold and beneficial action, when handled and managed appropriately. In this workshop, we identify and evaluate internal sources and forces of stress, creating a rich awareness
Effective managers are those who have solid self-awareness and sensitivity to the emotional health of their teams. This workshop provides an overview of what Emotional IQ means, exercises to deepen self-awareness, and practical guidelines for connecting with your staff and teams. This workshop guides managers to: Explore emotional triggers and how they are expressed Consider
Emotional Intelligence Read More »
At its core, embracing diversity is about cultural awareness and sensitivity. It is the ability to interact effectively with individuals of varying backgrounds, races, religions, genders, and more. It also lays the groundwork for productivity and healthy collaboration, through building trust and understanding, both internally and in client-facing interactions. Externally, cultural diversity allows businesses and
Culture & Diversity Read More »
All workplace environments include some level of conflict, yet few staff, managers and leaders are clear about how to de-escalate and handle it effectively. This workshop discusses common conflict eruptors and stimulants, along with popular responses and the benefits and drawbacks of each method of address. The program also explores pitfalls and skills necessary to
De-Escalation and Avoiding Harm Read More »
One of the key traits of a strategic conflict expert — like an Ombuds, mediator, or conflict coach — is contrarian thinking. I specialize in noticing what my clients missed, considering alternative approaches, and bringing to light different perspectives. When a client says “she’s acting this way,” I immediately question “what if she could act that way?” or if
Hey, it’s Kira the Conflict Coach, with a 2-Minute Conflict Coaching Soundbite. Today I’m talking about one thing that you can do when you’re feeling very tense and stressed out, due to a lot of change or crisis going on in your life. See, oftentimes when there is a lot of change or you’re
For the past few weeks, and increasingly over the past few days, Mary Ellen* hasn’t been able to get much work done. She’s been irritable, edgy, and has a growing sense of panic. She can’t seem to focus — her mind is racing in ways that are uncomfortable. And the more she thinks about her
Coronavirus & Conflict: When Anxiety Leads to Outbursts Read More »
Our new initiative: #2020Perspectivein2020 As we enter this new decade in 2020, the Harmony Strategies Group is excited to share a new initiative with our readers, followers, and clients: 20/20 Perspective in 2020! Each month this year, we will be publishing articles, quotes, video links around a specific theme or idea, for you to ponder
20/20 Perspective in 2020 Read More »
Last Friday, I introduced Harmony Circles to a packed room of Human Resource professionals from all across New York City. I had been invited to speak at the NYC-SHRM conference, to introduce some key concepts from the world of ADR (alternative dispute resolution), as they apply to business settings. ADR has been gaining attention and
What I Learned at NYC-SHRM Read More »
As a Conflict & Communication Consultant, I am often asked my opinion on the most important skills that a manager needs, in order to inspire and lead effectively. Since each individual company and team will have its own flavor and style, you might think it nearly impossible to come up with skills that hold across
The 3 Most Important Communication Skills for Business Leaders Read More »
I came upon the idea of Harmony Circles* by chance. I hadn’t expected Harmony Circles to take over my practice and become my passion-project. I thought it was just another hippie idea, the newest fad. But once I witnessed and experienced a few Circles, it was clear that there was no denying the fact: Harmony
The Magic of Harmony Circles Read More »
Most of us coast through life – get an education, have a career, get together with friends and family, get old and pass on. We enjoy ups and downs, achievements and failures. It’s normal. It’s human. Life is beautiful and sad and rich. And some of us have especially difficult challenges along our journey –
The Most Important 4 Words Read More »
I recently attended a business networking event at which there was a palpable common thread: Nobody wanted to be there. I heard things like, “I hate networking events, but I figured I’d give it a shot,” and “I know this is how I’m supposed to market myself, so it’s a necessary evil.” One woman was
The Secret to Networking (That Gets Results!) Read More »
In high school, I had a fantastic chemistry teacher, Mrs. B, who was driven to inspire us with a love of learning. We were a crowd of honors students, and she seemed to bare her soul to us, through her passion for chemistry. In her commitment to challenge us in our scientific growth, she served
What My Chemistry Teacher Taught Me About Conflict Read More »
I love drama. When I was a child, I dreamt of being an actress – and I pursued that line until I found another way of engaging my flair and passion for drama: as a conflict and communication strategist. I tell friends that every time I mediate, it’s like Judge Judy meets Geraldo – I’m
Conflict Coaching for Breakthroughs Read More »
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Kimberly Jackson Davidson is currently the University Ombudsperson at George Mason University and member of the Harmony Strategies Group. She spent two decades at Oberlin College in Ohio, holding positions in the Office of the Dean of Students and as Visiting Lecturer in African American Studies. During her final five and a half years there, she served all campus constituencies as Ombudsperson and Director of the Yeworkwha Belachew Center for Dialogue (YBCD). Davidson is active within the International Ombuds Association (IOA), the California Caucus of College and University Ombuds (CCCUO), and the Ombuds Section of the Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR). She earned a B.A. in English Literature from Spelman College in 1986 and an M.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in African Literature in 1991.
Hector Escalante is an experienced Ombuds and learning and development professional with over seven years of ombuds experience and over twenty years of experience developing and teaching course offerings which promote inclusion, healthy communication, and conflict resolution. He is the Director of the Ombuds Office at the University of California, Merced, having served many years as the organizational ombuds at the University of the Pacific. He is an ombuds partner with Harmony Strategies Group, and a consulting ombuds for Earthjustice and Union of Concerned Scientists. Hector holds two master’s degrees and a doctorate in education. He is a United States Marine Corps veteran, a husband and father to four children. Hector’s passions include treating all with fairness, equity, dignity, and compassion and good food.
Kira Nurieli is the CEO of the Harmony Strategies Group and is an expert mediator, conflict coach, trainer/facilitator, consultant, and restorative practices facilitator. She has spent upwards of twenty years helping clients handle conflict and improve communication strategies and has presented at numerous conferences and symposia as a subject matter expert. She holds a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s degree in Comparative Performance from Barnard College. She especially enjoys helping individuals, teams, and lay-leaders become more impactful and empowered in their work and is honored to work alongside her esteemed colleagues with the Harmony Strategies Group.
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Drop us a line for a FREE 15 minute consultation to help you handle your conflict or challenge!
Glad to help you out – please fill in the form below, so we can get started!
