Workshop focuses on managing disagreements

Sisters company Happy Brain Science and Sisters nonprofit Citizens4Community (C4C) are partnering to help Sisters Country resolve disagreements more effectively.

Have you ever regretted something you said in a heated discussion? Most of us have.

Science suggests that the quality of our relationships is typically the most important factor in our happiness and well-being. That's why it's so crucial to handle disagreements skillfully.

On Wednesday, September 6, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire District Community Hall, Citizens4Community and Happy Brain Science will be giving a free workshop called "STOP SHOUTING; Collaboration through Candid Conversation." The workshop will be facilitated by the founder of Happy Brain Science, Sisters resident Scott Crabtree.

Because the skills to work through disagreements effectively are extremely valuable at work, organizations including DreamWorks, Nike, Intel, Boeing, Oregon Judicial Department, and The Humane Society of the U.S. have repeatedly hired Happy Brain Science to facilitate this workshop. Now this same material is being offered to anyone in Sisters Country for free.

"It's during work hours." Crabtree explained, "because the skills we learn and practice will absolutely help your career. And the immediately applicable techniques can be used by anyone, at work or in the rest of our lives."

Research suggests that for most of us, the most important factor in our happiness is the quality of our relationships. So, after moving to Sisters in February of 2021, Crabtree, founder and chief happiness officer of Happy Brain Science, immediately started seeking to build relationships with members of the Sisters community.

"I know that relationships are key to happiness and well-being", said Crabtree. "The core of what C4C does is build community, so I'm excited to offer this workshop in partnership with C4C."

The session will help participants examine their beliefs and typical approaches to conflict. It will help people experience how a healthy mix of both assertion and cooperation are key to working through issues. And because disagreements can so easily go off the rails when we get upset, Crabtree will also work to boost emotional intelligence - our ability to recognize and manage emotions in ourselves and others.

Registration is not required; the event is first-come, first-served. Based on the attendance for Crabtree's previous workshop "Remember This! The Science of Learning and Memory," the room will be full. Anyone who wants to be sure to get a seat might consider arriving early. For more details, visit the C4C site at https://citizens4community.com/events/stop-shouting-sept-23.

To learn more about Happy Brain Science or contact Scott Crabtree, visit http://www.HappyBrainScience.com.

To learn more about C4C, visit http://www.citizens4community.org or contact Kellen Klein at director@citizens4community.com.