Listen to the recorded conflict resolution training

The recorded May virtual Training Tuesday session on conflict resolution is now available for listening. Watch the video. 

The training was presented by American Legion Department of Indiana Legionnaire Wayne Zeman. “How we say things makes up about 35 percent of how what you say is perceived or received by the person you’re talking to,” he said. “And over half of communication is tied to body language (and active listening).” 

During his presentation, Wayne discussed:

- Understanding power dynamics

- Behavioral classification

- Self-assessment of assertiveness

- Effective communication

- Active listening skills 

- Assertive body language

- Effective rule enforcement

- Identifying potentially violent persons

- Diffusion strategies

“The goal with this is to prevent situations from getting too heated, to reduce the volume, to calm the tempers, and get everyone talking rationally again,” Zeman said. “We should never be seeking to drive people away from our organization. We do a lot of really great work in our American Legion, and we need to make sure that every member feels heard. A lot of times by you remaining calm and listening, truly listening, people will feel heard and respected. There is no one size fits all solution to these situations, but continuing to engage with people and involving them in the solution, we will become a stronger team in the long run.”

The American Legion Internal Affairs & Membership Division hosts the monthly virtual training to educate members on issues important to the organization. The training is held on the last Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. Eastern. Listen to recordings at legion.org/training/training-tuesdays.