[DIALOGnews] Leadership/communication training at ASLO mtg?

[Susan Weiler]

Dear dialogers,

Based on the past 4 DIALOG programs, I am getting the sense that one 
thing lacking from most PhD programs is some training in 
communication skills and group dynamics--a bit of basic psychology in 
the context of small group interactions. I used a team of 
communication consultants at DIALOG IV, and it worked well enough 
that I am going to do something similar at DIACES. Since time is 
limited, we are focusing on using skills in the context of the 
Working Groups, but as you can imagine these skills would translate 
to many group settings (or even working one-on-one with a 
colleague/advisor/advisee/supervisor!)

Since DIALOG and DIACES hit such a small group, I was thinking it 
might be beneficial to hold a similar session at a professional 
society meeting. The ASLO meeting in Salt Lake is a good possibility. 
I thought it would be worth running the idea by you guys, to get your 
opinions on the following:

PARTICIPATION: Do you think students and recent grads (well, anyone 
really, but that would be the target group) would be interested in 
such training? If you have any particular suggestions on content, 
please let me know.

TIMING: A session would take at least 4 hours, so it would need to be 
on Sunday morning or afternoon. Do you think people would attend 
something like this, given all the scientific workshops or skiing 
opportunities (!) likely to be scheduled at the same time?

COST: Consultants cost money and we'd have to pay travel as well. I 
expect a registration fee for a half-day meeting might be $150-$200. 
Do you think students and recent grads would be willing to pay that 
much?

Any suggestions would be most welcome!

cheers, sue

-- 
C. Susan Weiler, Ph.D.
Biology Department                  Tel:   509-527-5948
Whitman College                       Fax:  509-527-5961
Walla Walla, WA 99362
weiler@whitman.edu
   Programs for Recent PhDs             http://aslo.org/phd.html
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