Navigating Difficult Conversations: Strategies for Dealing with Challenging People

A recent catalog upgrade at the University of Arizona Libraries offers a compelling case study to examine project planning, workplace psychology, and organizational change. In this session, we’ll explore how uncertainty, shifting roles, and competing priorities manifest during major system changes, and how these challenges can be navigated through intentional planning and relationship-building. Drawing on real-world experience and organizational psychology, we'll highlight how project leaders and participants can cultivate trust, foster shared ownership, and create space for open dialogue. This session will emphasize the social dimension of project work, showing that it is not the efforts of individuals alone, but the interaction of many people across a network that ultimately determines success. Through this lens, practical strategies for building alignment, maintaining momentum, handling opposing viewpoints, and navigating change will be shared, equipping attendees with tools to lead more collaborative, resilient initiatives, regardless of their role/position in the library. 

Learning Objectives:

Presenters:

Tina J. Packard, MBA, draws on over two decades of experience in library administration and leadership roles, currently serving as the founder of Packard Consulting LLC in Casa Grande, AZ. With a robust background spanning from directing public libraries and managing educational resources to coordinating web services, Tina excels in technologies, change management, human resource management, finance oversight, and employee development. Holding a Master's in Information Science & Learning Technologies and an MBA in Human Resource Management, Tina combines academic rigor with practical expertise to deliver strategic solutions tailored to organizational needs. Her contributions extend beyond consultancy, encompassing active roles in community organizations and professional associations, where she continues to drive innovation and excellence in library services and business administration.