Courses and Events for Researchers and Teachers
Aims of the seminar:
Whether in the institute, in committees or in projects - sooner or later, scientists make the (painful) experience that professional competence and objective discussion alone do not lead to the goal. Some processes are experienced as extremely unproductive, energy-draining or frustrating. However, it is also experienced that difficult situations can be mastered by grasping situations, communicating skillfully and taking a power-conscious approach.
At universities, too, various stakeholders pursue their own interests and goals. Anyone who wants to achieve, change, shape or take responsibility for something must understand the interests behind the micro-political actions and which "games" are being played. At the same time, actors need to develop strategies on how to achieve their goals while taking into account the power and the "legitimate" and "illegitimate" interests of the other "players".
In this workshop, participants will use examples from university practice to understand micropolitics, recognize their scope for action and limits and be encouraged to assert themselves confidently in the field of micropolitics. The analytical tools and skills taught in the workshop are not only of great benefit for a career in higher education and science, but also help participants to achieve their own goals in any other professional and personal contex.
Seminar contents:
Part 1: Understanding power and micropolitics
- What is power and through which mechanisms does it work?
- Micropolitics as the totality of interlinked games
- Power and micropolitics in universities as special organizations
- Types and functioning of typical "power games" at universities
Part 2: The micropolitical "toolbox"
- Understanding actors and their interests - stakeholder analysis
- Taking people with you in change: dealing with resistance
- Principles of effective persuasion
- Effective negotiation with the Harvard model
- Leadership without authority? - Lateral leadership at universities
Part 3: Personal reflection: micropolitics and personal integrity