The Art of De-escalation: Staying Calm When Emotions Run Hot
When emotions run high, logic goes offline. In those moments, a single conversation can determine whether a situation cools down—or explodes into lasting damage for relationships, teams, and projects.
In this practical, story-rich session, former law enforcement leader and de-escalation expert Dr. Jim Warwick will share tools he used for over 26 years in law enforcement then translated into workplaces, schools, and community organizations. You’ll learn what actually happens in the brain during an “emotional hijack,” why anger is almost always a secondary emotion, and how to respond in ways that help people calm themselves rather than escalate further.
Whether you’re dealing with a heated project meeting, a difficult stakeholder, or a tense workplace disagreement, you’ll walk away with skills you can use immediately.
In this webinar, you’ll learn how to:
• Recognize the early signs of emotional escalation—and your own triggers.
• Understand what happens in the brain during “fight or flight” and why reasoning often fails in the heat of the moment.
• Use active listening skills to help others move from reaction to reflection.
• Manage your tone, body language, and silence to keep the situation from escalating.
• Avoid common words and phrases that can damage rapport.
• Turn conflict into an opportunity for deeper understanding, stronger relationships, and better outcomes at work.
Who should attend
• People leaders and managers
• Project managers and team leads
• HR and people & culture professionals
• Anyone who regularly navigates tough conversations with colleagues, customers, or stakeholders
Earn 1 PDU when you attend live on Zoom!
January 7, 2026 12:00pm EST
