Mindful Conversations: Navigating Complex Work Relationships at University

In-Person Event at the AI Centre, 90 High Holborn

The UCL Department of Computer Science mental health working group are organising a series of events called Mindful Conversations. UCL staff and PhD students are welcome to attend. Our first seminar delves into the complex issue of toxic work relationships, including bullying, harassment, and unrealistic expectations. These negative dynamics significantly impact mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and decreased productivity.

In academia, where hierarchical structures and competitive pressures are prevalent, it is crucial to address these issues head-on. Difficult or toxic work relationships can occur at any level, whether it’s a PhD student, postdoc or professional services staff dealing with an unsupportive supervisor, or a manager managing a challenging team member. This session will provide participants with the knowledge and tools to identify toxic behaviours, understand their impact, and develop strategies to manage and mitigate these challenges.

Speaker: Natalie Snodgrass, Quiet Space Coaching

Natalie is a transformational leadership, neurodiversity and career development coach, as well as an accredited workplace mediator and HE consultant. With a background in HE professional services and over 20 years' experience within the UK HE sector across a broad range of operational and strategic roles, Natalie brings an in-depth and first-hand understanding of the HE sector and context to her coaching and consultancy work with universities.

She has coached staff at all levels through transformational change in both their personal and professional domains, supported the development of psychologically safe and high-performing teams, and delivered successful organisational change through a wide range of consultancy projects and the facilitation of effective change leadership and management. Natalie has a special interest in EDI (particularly neurodiversity), psychological safety, organisational culture and change, effective communication and conflict management, and resilience and wellbeing.

https://quietspacecoaching.co.uk/about/

Please register for catering purposes and for names to be forwarded to reception to grant you access to the building.

Audience: This event is open to all UCL staff and PhD students - please register for your free place now.

Accessibility and food allergies: If there is anything we can do to make this event accessible or comfortable for you, please let us know by emailing Kiran Ahmed (kiran.ahmed@ucl.ac.uk)

Photo by Milad Fakurian on Unsplash