In the ever-changing landscape of health professions education (HPE), the ability to foster strong, resilient relationships is paramount to "Flourishing Through Change." This highly interactive 90-minute focus session introduces the transformative concept of "Validation," based on the work of C. Fleck (2025), as a cornerstone for personal and professional growth. The session rationale is to provide a practical, evidence-based framework for improving interpersonal dynamics, which is crucial for building the supportive, collaborative environments necessary for success in health professions education and practice.
 

The agenda is centered on active learning. Participants will not just hear about theory; they will engage with it directly. Through a series of guided activities, including mindful listening pairs, case-study analysis, and role-playing, attendees will progressively "climb the ladder of validation." They will practice skills ranging from listening for active construction of meaning, dialectical thinking to foster advanced empathy in realistic scenarios relevant to health professions educators, and how to use this in your teaching & learning, service, and scholarly activity.
 

The expected outcome is that participants will leave equipped with tangible skills and a personal action plan. By the end of the focus session, attendees will be able to define validation, describe its key components, and apply these powerful communication skills to build trust, resolve conflict, and enhance their influence. This session is designed for faculty, leaders, students, and staff at all levels, providing universal tools to build deeper relationships, create a space where people can be their authentic selves, and foster a culture where everyone can flourish. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Define validation and differentiate it from other communication techniques. Attendees will move beyond a vague notion of validation to a precise understanding, enabling them to articulate why demonstrating understanding and acceptance is more effective than simply agreeing, praising, or offering solutions in building trust and psychological safety.
• Describe the three levels and eight skills of the "ladder of validation." Participants will internalize this practical framework, allowing them to consciously choose the most appropriate level of validation for any given situation—from simple, mindful listening to more advanced displays of empathy.
• Apply validation skills in a variety of simulated professional interactions. The core outcome is moving from theory to practice. Through active role-playing and case studies, attendees will gain hands-on experience in using validation to navigate common challenges in Health Professions Education, such as mentoring a struggling student or de-escalating a tense conversation with a colleague.
• Develop a personal action plan for incorporating validation into their daily practice. To ensure the focus session has a lasting impact, each participant will create a concrete, actionable plan to apply these skills immediately within their own professional context, fostering a ripple effect of improved communication and stronger relationships at their home institutions.