Human quality of life and long-term survival are dependent on our willingness and ability to communicate about difficult subjects. Mary A. Ferdig, PhD, will introduce Generative Communication^TM, a specific approach to practicing human communication consciously, as if our lives — our humanity — depend on it. This approach can provide us with a better understanding of complex problems, foster an appreciation for opposing points of view, and yield workable solutions to intractable challenges.

In this session, Mary will share the key concepts and techniques of Generative Communication^TM and then guide the group through their application (with input from attendees) in scenarios related to some of the challenging topics surrounding green issues.

About the presenter:

Mary A. Ferdig, PhD

Mary co-founded the Sustainability Leadership Institute to support leaders seeking integrated environmental, social, and economic sustainability. She has over 35 years of experience in leadership and organizational development within the US and Canadian utility industries, as well as in other business sectors, nonprofits, and government organizations. She facilitates strategy development, problem-solving, organizational change, and conflict management. Mary holds BS and MA degrees in human communication studies, with an emphasis on psychology, from the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) and a PhD in organizational development and change from Benedictine University in Chicago.