| Presentation Proposal - NACADA Annual Conference |
| Presentation Info and Handouts |
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Code=261
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Conference Year:
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2026
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Session #:
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P04(PRE-3)
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Title:
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The Art of Saying No: Navigating Difficult Conversations as an Academic Advising Supervisor |
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Lead Presenter:
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Jackie Rindone |
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Date:
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October 04, 2026 Time: 8:00 am - 11:00 am |
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Room:
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Five Moons 2, Omni |
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Abstract:
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Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of supervising academic advisors, but they often come with a heavy emotional toll. Whether delivering disappointing news on a promotion, discussing an employee's poor performance, or addressing barriers we cannot help students with, these challenging interactions can lead to burnout, emotional exhaustion, and avoidance of the necessity to say no.
In this pre-conference workshop, we aim to equip supervisors of academic advisor with practical tools and strategies to navigate these tough conversations while managing their emotional well-being. Participants will reflect on personal struggles in difficult supervising scenarios and learn how to reframe these interactions using proven models such as the SPIKES protocol, Compassionate Directness, and the BRIGHT advising approach.
In addition to improving communication, we will focus on sustainable self-care strategies that help manage emotional labor. By embracing these techniques, attendees can not only improve their practice but also reduce the risk of burnout. At the end of our session, you'll leave with actionable insights, self-reflection tools, and self-care strategies designed to enhance your ability to handle challenging conversations and create a healthier, more effective supervising approach.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this session:
Attendees will be able to identify personal strengths and areas for improvement in handling difficult conversations, based on self-assessment of common supervising scenarios.
Attendees will demonstrate the ability to apply at least three effective communication strategies for difficult conversations, including techniques for saying no assertively, through worksheet and role-playing exercises.
Attendees will create a self-care plan that includes strategies to maintain well-being when engaging in difficult conversations and creating a supportive team environment. |
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Handouts
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Note: Handouts (if offered for this session) are accessible via the conference app. |
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