Abstract for: Sharpening Soft Skills for Better Modeling

It has often been noted in publications and at conference that as a field, we could do more to increase our “soft” skills as modelers. Issues range from working effectively with groups and being better listeners to dealing more effectively with conflict and issues related to power differences within groups and human diversity. While these issues are arguably present in some way within every human interaction, they become more pronounced when we focus on persistent social problems and begin to work with more diverse stakeholders. Drawing on the diversity of participants attending the session, this workshop aims to develop skills for facilitating and managing group conflicts. The workshop will be highly interactive and focused on preparing and expanding the range of system dynamicists in working with groups.