On 7.–8. October 2021, AiS held an online workshop for mentors and staff of partner organizations.

In mentoring for displaced scholars and those at risk, it is not uncommon to encounter situations that cross the "boundaries" of the usual mentoring of postdocs, such as when being confronted with mentees' personal histories and experiences of flight while preparing them for the possible precariousness of an academic career in Germany. 

In this workshop, participants were supported with communication methods to deal with difficult situations in the mentoring relationship: how to deal with mutual expectations, enhance active listening, how to give feedback and to deal with emotions while balancing yourself. Participants had the chance to actively share their own experiences with others and to apply communication methods in small groups.

The workshop was held withtrainerBirgit Tali Menne, who holds a degree in sociology with a focus on development planning and policy and has been working as a facilitator in change management and leadership development at universities and companies for 20 years. She has also completed several trauma therapy and systemic trainings and accompanies people and organizations in challenging situations and changing circumstances.