Collaborative Communication

Collaborative Communication: Learning Unit Summary

This learning unit examines communication as a strategic leadership function rather than a simple exchange of information. It explores how leaders convey meaning, shape interpretation, and build shared understanding in ways that influence trust, performance, and team cohesion. Through evidence-based frameworks and practical applications, the unit focuses on how communication patterns, conflict, and group dynamics shape collaboration and how intentional design of interactions and meetings can strengthen both outcomes and the lived experience of work.

This learning unit includes the following modules:

  • Relational Coordination

  • Mindful Listening

  • Generative Conflict

  • Joy in Work

  • Stages of Group Development

  • Making Meetings Less Awful

Learning Objectives

By the end of this learning unit, learners will be able to:

  • Explain how communication behaviors influence leadership effectiveness.

  • Describe the core principles of relational coordination theory.

  • Apply relational coordination principles to strengthen communication behaviors in professional settings.

  • Describe the core components of mindful or active listening.

  • Identify common barriers that undermine effective listening.

  • Apply active listening strategies in professional communication contexts.

  • Identify common conflict resolution modes and assess your typical response to conflict.

  • Differentiate cognitive and affective forms of conflict.

  • Apply the ladder of inference to analyze and de-escalate conflict situations.

  • Explain key dimensions of well-being.

  • Apply evidence-based strategies to strengthen a culture of well-being within your team or organization.

  • Analyze how teams move through stages of development over time.

  • Adapt leadership strategies to support teams at different stages of development.

  • Explain the core elements of an effective meeting.

  • Analyze strategies to improve meeting effectiveness.

  • Develop practical solutions to common barriers to implementing meeting strategies.

Course summary
Course opens: 
03/02/2026
Course expires: 
03/31/2027
Part of: 
Community of Leaders 2026
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