How to be a leader who is not afraid of difficult conversations? Change the team atmosphere with conscious leadership

Already 11 May 2025 at 9:00 welcome to a unique online workshop: "Talking to an employee in a crisis situation - training for Team Leaders".. The meeting will be led by Anna Piguła, MA, an expert in communication and crisis psychology. The workshop will be held on the Google Meet platform and will have an active and mixed character - combining mini-lectures, simulations, brainstorming, case studies and individual work. The number of places is limited to 20 people, and participation requires access to a camera and microphone. Please note that registration for the workshop is on a first-come, first-served basis! The meeting has been scheduled for 2 hours.

Why is it worth it?

Psychological crises in the workplace can occur suddenly and have a major impact on the effectiveness of the team. Leaders who are able to recognise the first signs of difficulty and respond accordingly build an environment based on safety, trust and commitment.

The workshop will not only help to better manage difficult situations in the team, but also to develop leadership competences in the area of emotional intelligence and mental resilience.

Scope of the workshop

During the workshop, participants will learn about the most important areas related to the role of a leader in crisis situations. Topics include both the basics of crisis psychologyas well as specific communication techniques and a reflection on responsibility and the limits of support. The following will also be discussed conversation modelswhich facilitate effective responses to difficult team situations.

Among the topics discussed will be:

• what is a psychological crisis and how it can manifest itself in the workplace;
• what is the role of the leader in a crisis situation - What can and should be avoided;
• how to conduct supportive communication - Active listening, paraphrasing and formulating empathetic messages;
• what a supportive interview model looks like - based, inter alia, on a 4-step intervention scheme;
• where the limits of a leader's responsibility lie and when it is worth reaching out for specialist support;
• how to take care of your own boundaries and not to transfer their own emotions to the team - the role of self-awareness in support work.

Participation in the workshop will enable you to

The training has a practical dimension - focused on real-world skills that you can use in your daily work with your team. By taking part in the workshop gain tools and awareness, which will help you to effectively support employees and respond to difficult situations.

In particular, you will be able to:

• increase confidence when talking to employees experiencing difficulties;
• identify problems more quickly, before they escalate - which will help prevent absenteeism, burnout and resignation;
• hold professional, supportive conversations in crisis situations;
• recognise stress signalsburnout and crisis in team members;
• develop communication skills - from active listening to formulating empathetic messages;
• set healthy boundaries for the leadership role - know when to support and when to refer for specialist help;
• build relationships based on trust and increase the sense of security within the team;
• strengthen your mental resilience and leadership competences in the area of emotional intelligence.

Workshops will not be recorded, which will foster authenticity and the free exchange of experiences. There will also be no dedicated technical support, therefore it is worth checking the equipment before the meeting and access to the Google Meet platform.

Great academic event at WSKZ! Guest lectures by Prof. Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karima Kourtit

We are proud to announce that 26 April 2025 at 16:00 in Hall 1D at the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław will be held guest lectures by two prominent international academics - Prof. Peter Nijkamp and Dr Karimy Kourtit. This highly prestigious event provides a unique opportunity to meet directly with scientists who are setting the trends of contemporary academic debate in the areas of urban development, urban planning, migration and the application of artificial intelligence in social and urban space management.

Prof. Peter Nijkamp - one of the world's most influential regional economists, Emeritus Professor at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam, former President of the Regional Science Association International. Author of hundreds of scientific publications, visionary of territorial development and specialist in the application of modern technologies in spatial planning.

Lecture title: Artificial Intelligence: Save Our Souls - More Information, Better Planning?

Dr Karima Kourtit, a distinguished economist and urban planner, affiliated with the Open University of the Netherlands and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. Her interdisciplinary research focuses on urban dynamics, innovation, migration and data management in the modern city.

Lecture title: Urban Love in Troubled Cities

For whom: The lectures are open to students, PhD students, academics and anyone interested in the contemporary challenges of spatial development, urban planning and technology in the service of society.📍 Location: Hall 1D, Faculty of Law and Administration UWr
Date: 26 April 2025 (Saturday)
Hour: 16:00
Language of lectures: English

Don't miss the unique opportunity to be inspired by some of Europe's most eminent academics. You are cordially invited!

Lecture by a legend of Polish forensic science at WSKZ

It is with great pleasure that we announce that on 17 May at 11:30 a.m. in the John Paul II Auditorium at Wrocław University of Life Sciences, a distinguished expert in forensic science and forensic psychology will be a guest of the Higher School of Vocational Education - the Prof. Dr. h.c. mult. Brunon Hołyst.

He will give an open lecture that is sure to be of interest to all lovers of law, psychology and criminology. Professor Bruno Holyst's lectures are renowned for their charisma, erudition and extraordinary ability to translate difficult content into a fascinating story
about man, society and crime.

Who is Professor Bruno Holyst?

Professor Brunon Hołyst is a legend of Polish criminology - lawyer, criminologist, suicidologist. Distinguished professor, doctor habilitated and doctor honoris causa University of Bialystok (2011) and Nasarawa State University in Keffi (Nigeria, 2023). Keffi University awarded him the title honorary professor and set up an Institute for European Studies his name. He is also a consultant University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

He specialises in forensic science, criminology and victimology. He holds professorial positions in Academy of Applied Sciences in Warsaw and on University of Siedlceand honorary professor University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn.

He is the initiator and founder of Polish Forensic Association, Honorary President of the Polish Society of Mental Hygiene and President of the Polish Suicidological Society. He serves on numerous international scientific committees and has lectured as a visiting professor in many countries, discussing suicidology, victimology
and criminology.

He is the author of more than 1250 publications, including 80 books and academic textbooks, which have been published, among others, in USA, Canada, UK, Japan, China, Germany, Ukraine, Russia and Nigeria. He is a respected expert not only in the world of academia, but also in the legal and law enforcement practice communities. WSKZ students and lecturers are cordially invited to attend.

Don't ignore sadness. Learn the truth about depression - masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz

You are cordially invited to a unique masterclass entitled 'Faces of sadness. Depression in its various facets", which will take place 7 June 2025 at 11:30 am w the 3D Hall of the Faculty of Law and Administration of the University of Wrocław. The lecture will be given by Mr. Professor Dr Jan Chodkiewicz - a prominent specialist in clinical psychology, psychotherapy and addiction psychology. 

The organiser of the event is the Institute of Psychology University of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Depression - the disease of civilisation of our time

The modern world presents us with numerous challenges, and depression is becoming one of society's most pressing problems. This disease does not only affect individuals - affects entire societies, changing their functioning and psychological safety.

Depression can cause:

• psychosocial factors - chronic stress, low self-esteem, insecurity, low level of social skills;
• biological factors - hormonal disorders, genetic predisposition;
• sociological factors - difficult family situation, poor financial situation, alcohol abuse, violence.

The multifaceted nature of the causes means that depression remains one of the greatest health challenges of our time.

During the lecture Professor Jan Chodkiewicz will address the key issues of the, such as:

• Biological, psychological and social causes of depression;
• recognising the different facets of depression,
• specific problems associated with depression in men,
• effective methods of psychotherapy for people struggling with depression.

The presentation will not only provide an opportunity to expand knowledge, but also to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of the disease and the social challenges of depression in a rapidly changing world.

Who are you, Professor Jan Chodkiewicz, Professor of the University of Łódź?

Professor Jan Chodkiewicz is a respected clinical psychologist, specialist in addiction psychotherapy and certified cognitive-behavioural psychotherapist. For almost 30 years, he has combined his scientific activity with his therapeutic practice, helping addicts and their families.

On a day-to-day basis, Mr Professor works with the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology at the Institute of Psychology, University of Łódź. His areas of expertise include:

• addiction psychology,
• the issue of depression in men,
• cognitive behavioural therapy.

The Professor's scientific output includes:

• Co-author and author of numerous books, including:
  • "Bouncing off the bottom? The role of quality of life in the course and outcome of treatment for alcohol dependence" (Łódź, 2012),
  • "Alcohol addiction. Faces of the problem" (Warsaw, 2020);
• More than 100 scientific articles and chapters in monographs;
• Participation in numerous research projects funded by PARPA, NCPU and NCBiR.

He is also an active member of numerous scientific organisations:

• Polish Psychological Association,
• Polish Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Therapies,
• Polish Society for Research on Addictions,
• Section on Addictions of the Polish Psychiatric Association.

Why take part?

Masterclass by Prof. Dr. Jan Chodkiewicz entitled. "Faces of sadness. Depression in various guises" is an excellent opportunity to:

• broaden their knowledge of contemporary psychological issues;
• better understand the importance of mental health in everyday life;
• gain reliable information on effective forms of help for people in mental health crisis.

It is also a chance to meet an eminent scientist whose knowledge and experience inspire both practitioners and those interested in psychology. 

You are cordially invited to participate!

Thanks to the initiator of the master class project

Special thanks go to Mr Professor Dr Ryszard PoprawaHe is the originator of the entire master class project. It is thanks to his initiative and commitment that we can participate in extraordinary meetings with eminent representatives of the world of science, which broaden horizons, inspire and strengthen the academic identity of our University.

Talking about the future and development - meeting between the Vice-Dean and students

12 April 2025 an important meeting was held Ms Aneta Kazanecka, Vice-Dean for Student Affairs, with management students. The event created a space to discuss the functioning of the academic community, opportunities for academic development and student activity at the College of Vocational Training in Wrocław.

Supporting student initiatives and scientific development

During the meeting, the activities of the Student Government were discussed, scientific circles and were encouraged to get involved in research projects and publications in the Student Scientific Notebooks. The Vice-Dean also stressed the importance of student participation in conferences, workshops and guest lectures as important elements of academic competence development.

Psychological support and upcoming events

During the discussions, attention was drawn to the functioning of the university's Psychological Support Centrewhich offers assistance to students in crisis situations. The Vice-Dean also encouraged participation in upcoming scientific events, with a special focus on the 21st International Congress "Forensics and Forensic Expertise: Science, Studies, Practice", which will take place on 18-20 September 2025 at the European Solidarity Centre in Gdansk. More information about the Congress, the detailed programme and the registration form are available on the website: Congress of Forensic Science - Wroclaw Studies.

A chance to present yourself to an international audience

The Congress also includes a student conferencewhere students will be able to present their own papers in front of an international audience of experts and practitioners. Students are supported in the preparation of their presentations by the academic staff of our University, by offering factual and didactic assistance. This is a unique opportunity to showcase your scientific interests, gain experience in public speaking and establish valuable professional contacts both in Poland and abroad.

Don't miss this opportunity - get actively involved in academic life and develop your passions!

"The role of NGOs in the search for missing persons" - meeting with Ms Anna Jurkiewicz, President of the ITAKA Foundation

As early as Saturday 26 April 2025, at 11:30am a unique guest lecture aimed at students of the Higher School of Management "Education" in Wrocław will take place in the Auditorium of the Higher School of Vocational Education. The guest speaker will be Ms Anna Jurkiewicz President of the Board of the ITAKA Foundation - Searching for Missing People Centre, one of the key NGOs in Poland dealing with disappearances and support for their families. The topic of the lecture will be: "The role of non-governmental organisations in the search for missing persons on the example of the activities of the ITAKA Foundation"..

This meeting is a unique opportunity to find out, how organisations supporting the families of missing persons function, the challenges faced by those involved and the importance of the role of psychological support in such situations.

The ITAKA Foundation and its mission to support the families of missing persons

The ITAKA Foundation has for years played a key role in the search for missing persons and in educational and prevention activities. The organisation cooperates with the police, the Ministry of the Interior and Administration and many other state institutions to more effectively prevent disappearances and support the families of missing persons.

As part of its activities, the Foundation operates a helpline, organises social action and media campaigns, and is involved in shaping public policy on the rights of missing persons and their relatives. Many of these activities have become possible thanks to the commitment and vision of Ms Anna Jurkiewicz.

Who is Anna Jurkiewicz?

Ms Anna Jurkiewicz has headed the ITAKA Foundation - Searching for Missing People Centre since December 2012. He actively represents the organisation internationally, including in debates organised by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child. Under her leadership, the Foundation develops cooperation both at home and abroad, constantly raising the standards of support for the families of missing persons. Ms Anna Jurkiewicz's commitment, experience and vast knowledge make her the lecture will not only be a source of reliable knowledge, but also an inspiration for reflection on the social aspects of disappearances and the role of psychological support in crisis situations.

An unusual encounter with science - two stories, two worlds, one goal. Distinguished guests at the School of Vocational Training

12 April 2025 The academic community of the Vocational Training College in Wrocław had the opportunity to participate in a unique event - guest lectures by two outstanding scientists: Prof. Igor Britchenko and Prof. Henryk Malewski. The meeting aroused great interest among students and staff, confirming the importance of scientific debates in the life of the university.

Meeting with authorities - knowledge, history and inspiration

Prof. Dr. Igor Britchenko - internationally renowned economist, professor at universities in Slovakia, Ukraine and Bulgaria and author of more than 500 publications - presented a lecture on 'The functioning of the EU banking system in the context of globalisation in terms of economic security: current state and prospects'. In his speech, he discussed the impact of global economic tensions on banking stability in the European Union and stressed the importance of economic security in the context of contemporary threats. The lecture combined with examples and analysis of real processes was highly appreciated by the audience.

The history of forensic science through the eyes of a practitioner

Professor Henryk Malewski - a lawyer, forensic scientist and university lecturer - then invited the participants to w a fascinating journey through the history of forensic science. A graduate of Vilnius University, he is a former expert of the Forensic Laboratory of the Lithuanian Interior Ministry and a lecturer at many prestigious universities. Professor Malewski passionately combined science, practice and reflection. In his lecture entitled. "The origins of forensic science: people, dates, events". vividly presented the landmarks of the field, enriching the speech with personal anecdotes and historical trivia.

Student engagement and academic prestige

The event was also attended by representatives of the staff of the College of Vocational Training - Mrs Pro-Vice-Chancellor, the ladies Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, as well as members of the Centre for International Cooperation. The presence of the University authorities underlined the importance of the meeting and the significance of scientific initiatives for academic education. The meeting also became an inspiring experience for all present.

We would like to thank the professors for their extremely valuable presentations and are already looking forward to future events that enrich knowledge and develop scientific identity in the School of Vocational Training.

'Management in practice - from strategy to implementation'. Online workshop with Prof. Dr. Michał Ćwiąkała is over

Practical knowledge, committed participants and concrete guidance - That, in a nutshell, is how the two-part online workshop that took place 3 and 10 April 2025. The meetings were chaired by Prof. Dr. Eng. Michał Ćwiąkała, an expert in management, entrepreneurship and an experienced business practitioner.

The workshop was organised under the common title "Governance in practice - from strategy to implementation" and collected a total of 366 registered students. The high level of interaction meant that each meeting was extended - even an hour more than originally planned.

Management complexity in business - concrete, not theory

The first meeting, which took place 3 April, was devoted to the topic of building business models, security in management and mechanisms for effective sales. The workshop lasted over 2.5 hours and was based on practical experience of the trainer, enriched with examples from real-life business activities.

Strategy, brand and process optimisation

10 April participants met again, this time around the theme of "Brand management strategy and process optimisation". Instead of 30 minutes, the discussion section lasted a full hour - thanks to the high level of commitment of the participants. The workshop provided knowledge not only about building a consistent brandbut also about a modern approach to process management in a changing business environment.

Thank you for your presence!

The workshop, which he led Prof. Dr. Michał Ćwiąkała, is not only an example of successfully combining theory and practice, but also proves that students at the Vocational Training College in Wrocław want to talk about business seriously and passionately. Thank you for your active participation and to all those supporting the organisation and promotion of the event!

Prominent representative of the Białystok school of criminology as a guest of our University

We are delighted to announce that our University will be visited by Prof. zw. dr hab. Ewa Guzik-Makaruk from the University of Białystok - a recognised expert in criminal law and criminology, representative of the the bialystok school of criminology.

On 24 May 2025 She will deliver two open lectures for students of Criminology first and second degree. This will be a unique opportunity to come into direct contact with a scientist with an established academic background, and at the same time a chance to confront theoretical knowledge with practical experience.

Lecture topics:

1. Selected legal and criminological aspects of organ, tissue and cell transplantation in Poland.
2. Patostreaming and patoinfluencing as contemporary challenges for criminal law and criminology.

A meeting with the Professor will certainly enrich the didactic process, broaden the students' perspective and enable discussion of current issues in the contemporary world.

Safety, education, cooperation - agreement between our University and the Lower Silesian Branch of the Polish Association of Security Studies

The College of Vocational Training continues to develop its research and teaching activities by establishing new partnerships with prestigious institutions. We are proud to announce that on 4 April this year, the following was signed cooperation agreement between our University and the Lower Silesian Branch of the Polish Association of Security Studies.

This collaboration opens up new opportunities for joint organising:

• Conference;
• symposia;
• workshops;
• other educational and scientific events.

Photo 1 Lieutenant Colonel Dr. P. Wasilewski signs the agreement on behalf of the Lower Silesian Branch of PTNoB. Photo by W. Kazanecki

It will make it even more intensive for us to promote safety-related activities - an issue of vital importance in today's world. We are delighted to be working with an organisation with a a proven scientific track record i strong commitment in the formation of civic and patriotic attitudes.