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Webinars

Leading Through Essential Conversations, From Conflict to Connection

Tuesday, October 13, 2026
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT)

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Event Details

Overview: This training empowers managers to navigate tough conversations with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Participants will discover why certain discussions feel difficult, examine the costs of avoidance, and learn from real-life examples of what happens when these conversations are delayed or avoided.

Through video content and thoughtful self-reflection, managers will build critical listening skills: like tuning in with intention, acknowledging emotions, and identifying what truly matters to others. A practical, easy-to-apply conversation framework is introduced and practiced in small groups, giving participants the structure and confidence to engage effectively.

Participants are also reminded to apply de-escalation techniques to help manage emotionally charged moments when appropriate.

Audience: general

CE: NHA & SW, certificate of attendance
Presenter: Melissa Flynn-Dooyema, M.Ed., CPTD EAP Trainer and Consultant, Avera EAP

Melissa Flynn-Dooyema is a seasoned professional with decades of experience leading onboarding and skills-based training programs, including 17+ years in Learning & Development leadership and 13+ years in management roles.

Melissa is a passionate advocate for psychological safety, empowerment, and continuous learning, with a commitment to developing programs that grow employees, elevate leaders, and advance organizational success.

Melissa’s accomplishments include reducing ramp-up time through redesigned onboarding programs, leading large-scale training initiatives for national Customer Service Centers, and creating scalable leadership pathways that prepared frontline leaders and managers for success in fast-paced environments.

Melissa holds a Master of Education in Educational Administration- Adult & Higher Education (University of Sioux Falls), a B.A. in Business Management & Project Management (University of Sioux Falls).