Since she was appointed ALMA and ESO Ombuds, Tahirih Varner has been visiting various sites with a clear purpose: to promote a healthy and collaborative work environment. Since February, she has led training sessions focused on conflict resolution and management at several locations, including Paranal and, most recently, La Silla, where she connected directly with teams and gained insights into each site’s unique dynamics.
The importance of a positive culture
Tahirih aims to foster a “positive conflict culture, where we can manage disagreements with respect and turn them into opportunities for growth and innovation.” Her work operates on two fronts: intervening when issues arise and proactively equipping team members with practical, applicable tools to prevent conflicts.
Bringing diverse styles together
The training sessions address dynamic topics tailored to real-life workplace situations:
“Let’s Get Conflict Stylish!”: This workshop overviews the five conflict management styles and explores their effective and ineffective uses. Participants reflect on their unique style and learn practical tips to adapt their approach based on the situation and collaborate effectively with others with different styles.
“Fostering Team Cohesion”: Designed for supervisors, this session delves into the research-backed elements of effective teams and offers practical strategies to enhance team cohesion and productivity.
Who are these sessions for?
The training sessions are designed for specific audiences, addressing the needs of all staff and supervisors. While everyone can benefit from fundamental conflict management skills, supervisors are expected to prevent unnecessary conflicts and lead effectively.
“Leaders who understand the elements of effective teams and manage conflict constructively are better equipped to create a safe and rewarding workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute fully,” Tahirih explains.
A space for personal and professional growth
In ALMA’s multicultural and interdisciplinary environment, collaboration challenges are inevitable, but so are opportunities for growth. According to Tahirih, these sessions provide practical tools to navigate differences and foster innovation, productivity, and job satisfaction.
Moreover, each session is designed so participants can apply what they learn daily. Tahirih jokes about adding a fun incentive: “I might even bring candy!”
An invitation to participate
“I understand that it can be difficult to step away from your primary tasks for training, but conflict management is something we all deal with, both at work and in our personal lives. I hope these sessions will be valuable and enjoyable for everyone,” Tahirih concludes.
We invite you to participate in these first-quarter training sessions and actively contribute to this initiative to build a healthier, more collaborative, and more productive workplace.
Don’t miss out—let’s foster a positive and diverse culture together!
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