Chairs Wisdom Collaborative
January 27, 2011, 12:30-1:30 Granite Room
Attendance = 13
Notes:
I.
Discussion of team building, communication, and conflict resolution led by members of
Mediation Coordination Committee and Chairs, Roseanna Ross, and Bob Inkster. Some of
the participants each filled out a notecard. One one side of the card, they were to write
something that went well (+); on the other, a question or concern (?). Cards were submitted
and transcribed. See below for transcription.
II. Discussion led to various issues of concern with reactions from others including ideas for
resolving, coping, etc. See below for notes taken on flip charts.
Respectfully submitted,
Lalita Subrahmanyan
Next meeting: Tentatively, Monday, February 28, 12:00 to 1:00. I will send out an email with a possible
evening meeting time for continued discussion on team building, conflict resolution and communication.
Note Cards:
Card 1: Concerns –
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How do we keep the lines of communication open between members of the
department given a large range of perspectives?
Possible Solutions –
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Retreats
Focused meetings
Informal “get togethers” with no agenda
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Strong personalities
Differing perceptions of process (Formal and Informal)
Card 2 Concerns –
Possible Solutions –
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Communicating Individually
Spending time walking with each faculty member
Keeping agenda/meeting open to all voices
Card 3: Concerns –
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Uncertainty about next year
Hiring, Replacements
Hard to talk about planning with the uncertainty
Possible Solutions –
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Be direct, clear, and open
Try to communicate directly, not via e-mail

How can we involve dept. members beyond personal blame to work on issues of
concern to the entire dept?
Card 4: Concerns –
Possible Solutions –
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???
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How can we keep discussions/recommendations transparent to all members?
Information changes daily – How do we keep people informed but not
overloaded?
Card 5: Concerns –
Possible Solutions –
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We use paper ballots for contentions issues
We are starting small discussion groups to work together in something not
related to work

Our department functions well and collaboratively, but would like to increase
communication with other areas on campus
Card 6: Concerns –
Possible Solutions – ???
Flip Chart Notes:
(Page 1)
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Discussions of issues of student learning derailed by personal issues/university concerns
Boundary Confusion – Alliances, Muddy Waters
How do we move dept. forward?
Uncertainty/Vulnerability – Challenge to plan without information
All the above items create tension
(Page 2)
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o
o
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Chairs can be seen as “co-opted” by administration
Faculty not reading what is shared
How do we get immediate response? – Email discussions don’t work
Balancing voices – some are stronger
Fall into trap that the whole dept. should respond “my” way
When chair speaks first – others feel they can’t speak
o
o
o
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Book – “Team of Rivals” By: Doris Kearn
Book – “Conflict Book for Chairs” By: Susan Hatfield
Tune into the department’s agenda – Deal with where the dept. is at go get somewhere
Article 20, App. G helps with role and responsibilities of chairs.
Acknowledge “Elephant in the room”
o
o
o
o
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Use “formal” processes to move on issues
Use “informal” processes to address stressors – one on one conversations, etc.
Strategize around the “Givens” – what we do know
Share information from meetings, keep communication open
Be transparent
Send reminders – “I will respond X” unless I hear from others
o
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D2L for dept. documents – SharePoint
Speaking as chair
 Avoid: “I think we should” or “Here’s what I see and how I’d respond”
 Lay out several alternatives
 Invite other alternatives
Listen to Commitment – what is the faculty member or group committed to that drives
action or attitude?
Bring in someone who has the person’s trust
(Page 3)
(Page 4)
(Page 5)
o
o