Conflict in the Workplace: minimize workplace conflict while maintaining one's professional role as an interpreter
DESCRIPTION:
Interpreters navigate linguistic and cultural conflict everyday. Misunderstandings, incompatible needs and interests, and workplace stressors are prevalent in our work. Effectively navigating these workplace conflicts is an essential part of our role and our ability to skillfully intervene is a necessary part of our professional repertoire.
During this workshop we will participate in large and small group discussions to learn more about our own responses to conflict - including how one’s values and culture shape one’s responses - and how conflict theory can support ethical decision making that is both in-line with our professional code of conduct and supports constructive, cooperative, and collegial relationships.
Theories discussed in this workshop include Robyn K. Dean and Robert Q. Pollard Jr’s Demand Control Schema, Kenneth W. Thomas and Ralph H. Kilmann’s Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument, and Morton Deutsch’s Cooperative vs. Competitive Theory of Conflict.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
In this workshop, participants will:
- Identify one's own conflict management style.
- Understand how one's own conflict management style impacts workplace conflict.
- Understand prominent theories of conflict.
- Incorporate our professional code of conduct while managing workplace conflict.
PRESENTER: MARGARET I MONTGOMERY
Margaret Montgomery, NIC Master & QMHI, is a nationally certified sign language interpreter with over 15 years of experience. She received her Qualified Mental Health Interpreter certification in 2017 and specializes in medical and mental health settings. She excels in complicated situations where language dysfluency, power imbalance, or labyrinth systems are involved in cases. In 2023 they graduated with their Master’s in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine University where they studied Conflict Management. Beyond her interpreting work, Margaret works as an interpreter mentor, human resource consultant, interpreter coordinator, and volunteers her time as a Rule 114 Qualified Neutral for Hennepin County’s Harassment court.
Date: Thursday, November 6th, 2025
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Sorenson
2550 University Ave. W, St. Paul, MN, 55114
Suite: 440 South (4th floor, Breakroom/Conference room)
Cost: $ 20 for members
$ 40 for non-members
CEUS: 2 hours IMIA
2 hours CCHI
2 hours ATA
Additional information:
• At UMTIA, we are committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment, free from discrimination and bias, where all participants are treated with dignity and fairness.
• Accommodations: if you require special accommodations, please email info@umtia.org by October 31st, 2025.
• Attendance at this event presumes acceptance of the use of photographs and video of the event for UMTIA promotional material.
• Attendees MUST be present for the entire duration of the event to receive a CEU Certificate. We will be taking attendance.
