Full course description
1 hour
Self-Paced
Earn a Badge
Course Overview
As workplaces become more dialogue‑driven, respectful and effective communication is essential. Effective Conversation and Civil Discourse equips learners with practical skills to navigate complex topics using the principles of civil discourse and the Touchstones framework.
The course highlights the difference between debate and dialogue, emphasizing active listening, mutual understanding and trust‑building to support collaboration, inclusion and ethical leadership. Grounded in Jesuit values of respect, service and lifelong formation, this module prepares professionals to lead authentic conversations that strengthen teams, workplace culture and a sense of belonging.
This noncredit course is part of Creighton University’s Inclusion and Belonging Certificate or as an elective in our Leadership Certificate, and supports professionals committed to ethical leadership, purposeful work and inclusive environments.
This course is valid for 1.0 PDCs for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
Who Should Enroll
This noncredit course is ideal for:
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- Mid-career professionals in HR, learning and development or people-operations roles
- Emerging leaders and managers shaping workplace culture
- Healthcare, nonprofit and education professionals engaging with diverse communities
- Professionals in client‑facing, service‑oriented or people‑centered roles
- Career changers seeking to strengthen interpersonal and inclusive leadership skills
No prior training is required. This is a welcoming course for learners from all backgrounds.
Course Instructor
Becky Nickerson, Ed.D.
Senior Director of Belonging and Inclusion Programming
Creighton University
Becky Nickerson is a seasoned facilitator and educator with over 20 years of experience. Her expertise lies in helping individuals and organizations build inclusive cultures through intentional reflection, storytelling and action.
What You’ll Learn
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
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- Define civil discourse and explain how it supports respectful, collaborative professional environments
- Distinguish between debate and dialogue and determine when dialogue is most effective for navigating complex topics
- Apply the Touchstones framework to foster trust, understanding and productive conversations
- Evaluate personal communication habits and listening skills through reflective practice
- Create a targeted plan to strengthen individual comfort and effectiveness in civil discourse
- Define civil discourse and explain how it supports respectful, collaborative professional environments
FAQs
What are the benefits of completing this course?
Effective conversation skills strengthen trust, reduce conflict and improve collaboration. This course helps professionals navigate difficult or sensitive topics with confidence while fostering respect, understanding and inclusion.
Learners gain practical tools to lead authentic conversations that enhance teamwork, support ethical decision‑making and contribute to healthier workplace and community cultures.
What certificates does this course count as an elective?
This course counts as an elective for the Leadership Certificate.
What is the career outlook for individuals who complete this program?
Employers are increasingly seeking professionals with inclusive leadership, communication and interpersonal skills—often at rates nearly twice the average job posting growth (Lightcast, 2024). Completing this course helps you build capabilities linked to leadership effectiveness, promotion readiness and long‑term career mobility across healthcare, education and corporate environments.
How long does it take to complete?
This course is self-paced, allowing you to learn at your convenience. Most people complete this course in one hour, but you can take as much time as needed to fit your schedule.
How is the course structured?
This course is 100% online and self-paced. You can start anytime and progress on your own schedule—ideal for working professionals.
Does this course count toward the Inclusion and Belonging Certificate?
Yes, this course is part of the Inclusion and Belonging Certificate program. Complete all ten courses to earn the full Inclusion and Belonging Certificate from Creighton University.
Does this course offer continuing education credit?
Creighton University is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for 1.0 PDCs for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.
Do you offer tuition assistance?
We do not offer tuition assistance for lifelong learning courses or certificates. However, Creighton alumni, faculty, staff and eligible partner employees, along with their spouses and dependents, may qualify for a 15% discount. One discount per offering. Other restrictions may apply. Learn more.