Dyersburg, TN - August, 25, 2025 - Most of us have had to deal with a tough conversation at some point, whether it’s with a coworker, an employee, or even a friend. On Tuesday, August 19, The Mill Workspace hosted “Navigating Difficult Conversations”, a workshop led by Merry Brown, author of “How to be UNprofessional at Work” and founder of Third Party Workplace Conflict Restoration Services LLC.
Brown shared practical advice to help people approach conflict in a way that builds understanding instead of division.
She reminded everyone that conflict is a normal part of any workplace. Miscommunication, different opinions, personality clashes, or simple mistakes can all generate tension. Brown says the problem isn’t that conflict happens, it’s what happens when conflict isn’t handled.
The workshop walked participants through three main steps for handling difficult conversations: Prepare, Dialogue, and Restoration.
Brown also explained that many conflicts aren’t really about the facts, but about how people interpret or feel about a situation. Blame usually makes things worse, but genuine dialogue can clear the air and move things forward.
Participants of the program stated that the workshop was a great value, noting that the presentation was “very engaging and well-presented.” One attendee said the tools provided were easy to remember and easy to apply.
Attendees left with simple tools they could put to use right away, both at work and in daily life, and were encouraged to practice those skills in low-risk situations.
About The Mill Workspace: The Mill Workspace is a DBA of Northwest Tennessee Entrepreneurship, Inc., a 501(c)(3) entrepreneur center located in Dyersburg, TN. It serves entrepreneurs across nine counties in Northwest Tennessee, providing support through individualized counseling, workshops, and multi-week programs that help local businesses launch and grow.
Programs at The Mill are supported in part by a grant from LaunchTN.
