From Conflict to Collaboration:

Key Takeaways from the SW Washington SHRM Conference
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I recently volunteered at the SW Washington SHRM Conference and had the opportunity to sit in on several workshops and keynote presentations. One takeaway from the conference is that HR is a complex and evolving profession. My biggest personal takeaway, however, was how deeply the themes shared by the presenters intertwined with the work we are doing at ADR Group NW.
 
The first keynote speaker, Julie Devlin, spoke about change and the importance of building systems that allow people and organizations to pivot and thrive through adversity. She encouraged attendees to consider the perspectives of those who seek support from HR and offered the prompts: “I will change the conversation in my workplace by _________” and “I will change the conversation with myself by _________.” One statement that stood out was her encouragement to “let go of yesterday’s thinking” in how we manage people today.
 
The second keynote speaker, Luke Goetting, expanded on that message by exploring the realities of working across generations. With four generations actively working together and millennials now representing the largest segment of the workforce, communication styles and workplace expectations continue to evolve. His message reinforced that adapting our communication styles and considering the needs of those we lead and work alongside are essential to building stronger relationships and supporting long-term organizational sustainability.
 
One workshop, led by April Allen and Shawna Unger, focused on “Conflict Hooks” — the actions and behaviors that can create dysregulation and feelings of disrespect. Imagine the impact teams could have if they openly discussed individual Conflict Hooks and practiced techniques that support understanding from another person’s perspective. The benefits are significant: increased trust, stronger collaboration, greater productivity, and improved psychological safety.
 
For more than 25 years, ADR Group NW has supported individuals, organizations, and communities in transforming adversity into opportunity and collaboration. The conference reinforced that the challenges facing HR professionals today are real — and they are also opportunities for growth. At ADR Group NW, we help organizations create safe spaces to explore the “why” behind conflict and workplace challenges while developing the skills and systems needed to navigate change, strengthen collaboration, and foster inclusive workplaces.
 
How might your workplace change if people felt more understood, psychologically safe, and equipped to navigate conflict collaboratively?