Bridging the Divide: Conflict Resolution in Public Finance

Organizational culture and a lack of intellectual humility can be impediments to creating the necessary conditions for the open communication necessary to make good budget decisions. Conflict is all too common today and won’t be an easy problem to solve, but there is a science-backed method that can help to bridge divides. While many in the workplace may want to avoid conflicts in these challenging times, conflict will find its way into the workplace.

GFOA partnered with the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) to offer members the opportunity to participate in an online program called Perspectives that helps teams communicate across differences to create the best ideas to develop more effective public finance solutions. In this session you will hear from members of Knox County, Tennessee, about their experience in the Perspectives program to improve conflict resolution and organizational culture. You will also hear from CDI about the science behind the Perspectives methodology, their experience with other local governments, and opportunities to get involved.

Who Will Benefit: CFO/Finance Directors, Controller, Budget Manager, Department Director.

• Foster openness to diverse perspectives
• Equip people to engage in dialogue across differences
• Improve organizational culture to speak openly and honestly about their views