Practicing mindful communication means being present, paying attention to tone and body language, and truly hearing what others are saying before responding. Small daily practices, like active listening in a meeting, asking open-ended questions, or pausing before replying, can transform how you relate to colleagues, lead teams and influence outcomes.
University Human Resources
Date
May 12, 2026
May Professional Development Updates
This May, we are focusing on mindful communication. Effective communication is more than just exchanging information. It is about listening, understanding and connecting with others in a thoughtful and intentional way. Mindful communication helps you build trust, foster collaboration and navigate challenging conversations with clarity and empathy.
Featured Talk: 5 Ways to Listen Better by Julian Treasure
Julian Treasure, a sound and communication expert, explores the power of listening and how it shapes the way we connect, collaborate and communicate. In this short, practical TED Talk, he shares five actionable techniques to listen more effectively, helping you understand others more deeply and respond with clarity and empathy.
After watching, consider:
- Which listening habits could you improve to be more present in conversations?
- How might applying these listening techniques strengthen your team interactions this month?
- What’s one small experiment you could try in your next meeting to practice mindful listening?
LinkedIn Learning Courses
Explore these LinkedIn Learning courses to strengthen your communication skills and mindful presence:
- Communicating with Empathy - Learn practical approaches to connect with others, build trust, and foster understanding in professional relationships.
- Active Listening: The Secret to Effective Communication - Covers techniques to fully engage in conversations, encourage collaboration, and prevent miscommunication.
To access more LinkedIn Learning courses, go to Workday Learning, select Search for Available Learning, and filter by LinkedIn Learning under Content Type.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
Staff Essentials (In-Person)
May 18, 2026 & May 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The two-day Staff Essentials Program provides foundational knowledge and practical skills to help non-supervisory staff thrive in today’s dynamic work environment.
To register or learn more, visit the UHR events website.
Recommended Reads from the LDE Lending Library
This month, we invite you to explore books that focus on mindful communication, helping you strengthen empathy, speak with clarity, and navigate meaningful conversations with confidence.
- Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg: Learn how to express yourself honestly and listen with empathy to build stronger relationships.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler: Understand techniques for handling difficult discussions and reaching positive outcomes.
Visit our virtual LDE Lending Library to explore and check out these titles or others.
LDE Essentials: Curated Content by the LDE Team
Explore resources on empathy, conversation frameworks, and managing difficult dialogues to strengthen your communication skills.
- Enhancing Team Dynamics and Building Trust - Mindful communication thrives in teams where people feel heard, safe, and respected. This course helps you foster that environment.
Explore LDE Next Level
Leverage these self-paced courses to experiment with mindful communication strategies:
- A Guide to Empathy at Work - Mindful communication starts with empathy. Understanding others’ perspectives strengthens listening, reduces reactive responses, and builds trust.
- Effective Feedback Strategies - Giving feedback mindfully requires clarity, emotional awareness, and intentional language. This directly supports thoughtful, respectful dialogue.
- How to Work Effectively With Different Communication Styles - Mindfulness in communication includes adapting your style to others. Recognizing differences prevents miscommunication and improves collaboration.
LDE’s Quick Tip of the Month
Pick one conversation this week and practice mindful communication. For example:
- Listen fully without interrupting
- Ask open-ended questions to understand perspectives
- Reflect back what you heard before responding
Afterward, reflect on what new insights emerged and which strategies you could continue using. By practicing mindful communication, you will deepen connections, reduce misunderstandings, and build a stronger collaborative culture.