Navigating conflict in a diverse team
Navigating conflict in a diverse team
Wednesday 27 January 2027, 13h - 17h
General context
Conflict is inevitable in any collaborative setting, especially in diverse teams. Needing to conduct a difficult conversation with your PI? Having to bring fair but harsh feedback to a colleague? Wanting to assert your boundaries in a respectful manner? These are all potential conflict situations that the workshop will tackle. Because when managed well, conflict can become an opportunity for innovation and stronger working relationships.
By deepening self-awareness and practicing strategies for psychologically safe conversations, participants learn how to transform tension into collaboration.
After this training, you will:
- Recognize factors that shape workplace conflict, including diversity, emotions, and power dynamics.
- Identify your own conflict style and understand its impact on others.
- Apply practical techniques for constructive dialogue, collaboration, and mediation.
- Use tools to create psychologically safe, inclusive team environments.
This interactive half-day workshop combines:
- Short theory inputs on conflict dynamics and the role of diversity, power, and emotions.
- Self-assessment exercises to identify individual conflict styles.
- Scenario-based practice in dialogue, collaboration, and mediation techniques.
- Group reflection and discussion to share insights and strategies for an inclusive team culture.
The emphasis is on real-world application, giving participants concrete tools and confidence to navigate conflict constructively.
This workshop is ideal for:
- Researchers and staff of all levels navigating collaborative, multicultural teams.
- Team leaders, managers, and principal investigators seeking to build inclusive, respectful environments.
- Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills and build confidence in addressing challenging situations.
Trainers
Agnes Uhereczky
Agnes Uhereczky is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer at VIB. Agnes is an experienced and engaging trainer and facilitator and worked with many different organisations in the past.
Practical info
27 January 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Herestraat 49
3000 Leuven
Belgium
27 January 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
Leuven train station is approximately 4 km from the campus Gasthuisberg. Buses depart very regularly to the Gasthuisberg Campus from Leuven train station.
For tickets and up to date schedules visit website De Lijn or use the De Lijn App.
Exit at the very last bus stop ‘Gasthuisberg Campus) make sure not to exit at ‘Gasthuisberg Kliniek =
hospital)
Once you get off the bus, go to your right and go up the street until you see stairs to your left. Climb the stairs all the way up between two buildings. Look for the signs containing blue circles and white numbers and follow them all the way from 2 up to number 12. You will cross several buildings and the walk will take max. 10 minutes. When you reach number 12, you have reached O&N 5, where you can find the reception.
27 January 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
The Gasthuisberg campus is west of the Leuven ring. Our buildings are situated behind the hospital (see black arrow near ‘RING NOORD’ on the map). If you come from the city center, you will arrive on campus from the east side (taking Mgr. Van Waeyenberglaan and roundabout Het Teken). If you come from Heverlee or Campus Arenberg, you will arrive from the west side (taking the Celestijnenlaan and Taborweg). When you arrive uphill at the intersection with the Rega Institute and the Red Cross building, you need to take the road down to the bicycle parking at Rega Institute (see map) where you can park. Next, follow the ‘Onderwijs & Navorsing blue route’ description below (start point is #9).
27 January 2027
Leuven - Campus Gasthuisberg
You arrive via the E314 highway – EXIT 16
After 200 m, keep left to drive underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
You arrive via the Leuven ring road
At the roundabout, take the exit towards ‘Spoed / Ziekenhuis’.
Follow the ring around Campus Gasthuisberg and pass the entrance of SPOED.
Continue right until you arrive at a second roundabout.
Follow the directions for E314.
Near the Fire Brigade Station, make a U-turn and follow the directions for ‘Ziekenhuis’.
Keep left and drive downhill, underneath the roundabout and into the tunnel.
Keep left and follow the arrows to Parking West.
Next, leave the parking at level +1 using the big stairs near the vending machines.
Follow the red carpet and arrows to 'Onco Dagcentrum' to get to the O&N buildings. Take the stairs on your left after exiting Parking West. You are now in front of the O&N4 building; on the left you will find O&N5.