E.L.C. members learn ways of turning conflict into opportunity
A seasoned college football official and leadership expert, Dr. Lavon Gray, shared his insights on managing conflict during his presentation, "Choose to Defuse: Conflict Resolution in the Heat of Battle," when he spoke to members of the MCC Foundation's Eagles Leadership Convocation (E.L.C.).
Dr. Gray is the chief executive officer of the Blue Hen agency, an organizational consulting firm dedicated to helping businesses and organizations drive healthy, sustainable growth. He has written five books, including Never Wrestle with Pigs: A Survival Guide for Dealing with Difficult Personalities.
He focused on understanding and addressing conflicts to strengthen relationships and build leadership skills. Drawing from his 30 years of experience officiating college football, Dr. Gray explained how lessons learned on the field can help leaders handle challenges off the field.
"Conflicts are part of every aspect of life," Dr. Gray said. "It doesn't matter if it's families, politics, church – literally everything. Learning how to navigate those situations is an essential skill for leaders."
Dr. Gray highlighted how many view conflict negatively but explained its potential benefits. "Healthy conflict is important," he noted. "It allows issues to surface, helps us grow, and even strengthens friendships and business relationships."
During his talk, Dr. Gray shared strategies for identifying the root causes of conflicts and addressing them effectively. "The presenting issue is rarely the real issue," he said. "Being able to dig deeper and have honest, transparent conversations – even when we disagree – is critical for effective leadership."
E.L.C. is an academic year-long professional development and leadership program comprising 10 MCC faculty and staff members: Darren Bane, director of workforce development; Jaterra Hurst, women's basketball assistant coach; William Davidson, associate dean for institutional research; Casey Holladay, director of social media and events specialist; Phyllis Holladay, Eagles Scholars Program coordinator and mathematics instructor; Matthew Milner, director of videography and sports information; Jim Price, director of facilities management; Flora Sumrall, Business Office Management Technology Program and Accounting Technology Program coordinator and instructor; Crystal Webster, director of student accounts; and Marion Whiting, director of housing and student activities. MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner and Dr. Leia Hill, vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the MCC Foundation, are facilitators for E.L.C. Jaycee Butler, executive assistant to the vice president for institutional advancement and MCC Foundation office coordinator, is the assistant for the program.
The next E.L.C. is on Feb. 4. Kassi Rushing, a communications and people strategist, will lead the discussion on Behaviors of Inclusive Leadership and Growing an Engaged Team.
To learn more about the Eagles Leadership Convocation, visit meridiancc.edu/elc.