Workshop Title:

Effective Communication as a Powerful Management Tool

Date:

May 30th, 2025 (GMT+2)

Organizer:

Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava

Keywords:

• Business Communication
• Management
• Company

Workshop Chair:

Personal Bio:

Dr. Lukas Vartiak is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Social and Economic Sciences of the Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia. Since his doctoral studies, he has been devoted to the issue of socially responsible business, business ethics, Business Excellence, and Business English, which is closely related to the issue of ethics and philosophy.

Workshop Description:

Background:

Effective communication has long been recognized as a critical factor in organizational success, particularly within management. Research in this area explores how clear, purposeful communication can enhance leadership effectiveness, improve team collaboration, and drive better organizational outcomes. Communication in management involves not just the transmission of information but also the ability to influence, motivate, and foster trust among team members.

Studies show that managers who master verbal and non-verbal communication techniques can create more productive, engaged teams and resolve conflicts more efficiently. In contrast, poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, reduced morale, and decreased performance. Key research areas in this field include exploring different communication styles, the role of emotional intelligence, active listening, and the impact of non-verbal cues on leadership. The ability to adapt communication strategies to diverse teams and complex organizational settings is a crucial skill for modern managers aiming for long-term success.

Goal/Rationale:

Key Objectives:

1. Understanding Communication Styles: Participants will learn about different communication styles and how to recognize their own. We will explore how to tailor communication to meet the needs of diverse team members, colleagues, and stakeholders, fostering a more inclusive and productive work environment.
2. Clarity and Precision: The workshop will teach the participants to articulate their ideas clearly and concisely. Whether delivering feedback, making a presentation, or writing an email, clarity in communication helps eliminate confusion and ensures that the message is understood.
3. Active Listening: Communication is not just about talking—listening is equally, if not more, critical. The participants will practice active listening techniques to understand their team's needs better, address concerns, and make informed decisions. Listening fosters trust and demonstrates empathy, essential traits for effective leadership.
4. Managing Difficult Conversations: Handling difficult conversations is one of the most challenging aspects of management. This workshop will provide the participants with tools and strategies to navigate sensitive issues, provide constructive feedback, and resolve conflicts without escalating tensions.
5. Non-verbal Communication: Body language, tone of voice, and facial expressions play a significant role in how messages are perceived. Participants will learn how to use non-verbal cues to reinforce their communication and become more aware of their non-verbal signals.

Scope and Information for Participants:

By the end of the workshop, participants will have gained a deeper understanding of how to use communication as a powerful management tool. The participants will be equipped with the skills to lead with clarity, foster stronger relationships within their team, and create an environment where open dialogue thrives. Whether the participants are new to management or looking to refine their leadership skills, this workshop will provide valuable insights and actionable strategies to help them succeed. In addition, participants will learn how to effectively navigate challenging conversations, manage conflicts, and adapt their communication style to various situations and personalities. These skills will enable them to build trust, inspire collaboration, and drive team performance. With a focus on practical techniques and strategic thinking, this workshop empowers managers to communicate confidently and empathetically, fostering a positive workplace culture. Ultimately, participants will leave with a toolkit of communication strategies that can be immediately applied to enhance their leadership impact and contribute to the overall success of their teams and organizations.

Venue:

Šafárikovo námestie 6, 814 99 Bratislava, Slovakia

VISA:

Visa for foreigners to enter the Slovak Republic

In order to ensure the information is correct and up to date, there may be changes which we are not aware of. And different countries have different rules for the visa application. It is always a good idea to check the latest regulations in your country. This page just gives some general information of the visa application.

Where can I apply for a visa?

If your travel destination is one Schengen Member State, you should lodge the application at the diplomatic mission of that Member State. If your travel destination includes more than one Member State, the application should be lodged at the diplomatic mission of the Member State of the main destination. The main destination is understood to be the destination where the applicant intends to spend the longest time or where the main purpose of the intended journey is carried out. If no main destination can be determined, you should lodge your visa application at the diplomatic mission of the Member State whose external border you intend to cross first.

The list of diplomatic missions of the Slovak Republic

The Schengen visa application shall be lodged at the territorially competent Slovak diplomatic mission. If the foreigner is residing in the third country (other than the country of his nationality), s/he may submit his/her visa application at the diplomatic mission territorially competent for the country of his current residence. Any exemption from the rule shall be profoundly justified by the applicant and is subject to approval of the diplomatic mission. 
Apart from the possibility to apply for a visa directly at the diplomatic mission, there is a possibility to lodge the Schengen visa application in the visa centre, as long as the Slovak Republic is cooperating with an external service provider in the country of your residence.

What type of visa do I need?

The type of visa you need depends on the length and purpose of your visit. The visa can be issued for one, two or multiple entries. A decision on the validity of visa, length of stay and number of entries is made by the diplomatic mission in line with the Schengen rules.

Airport transit visa (A)

Attend in person:

You can usually stay in the international transit area at the airport without a visa, while waiting for a connecting flight. However, some nationals or categories are required to have a valid visa, even if they do not leave the international transit area. An airport transit visa authorizes the holder to transit solely through the airport's international transit area.

Uniform Schengen visa (C)

In general, the Member States issue uniform Schengen visas valid at the territory of all Member States. The uniform Schengen visa entitles its holder to enter and stay in the Schengen area for a duration of no more than 90 days in any 180-day period, which entails considering the 180-day period preceding each day of stay.  The Schengen visa may be issued with maximum validity of 5 years.
In certain cases a territorial validity of a visa may be limited to the territory of the Member State which has issued the visa or to the territory of some but not all Member States. Information on the territorial validity is indicated on the visa.

National (long-stay) visa (D) 

National (long-stay) visa may be issued for stays of duration of more than 90 days.  A third country national may be granted a national visa, if 

a) it is necessary in relation with the granting of a residence permit in the Slovak Republic;

b) the applicant is older than 15 years and is accepted for language education at a language school in the extent of not less than 25 lessons per week;

c) it is necessary in order to fulfil the obligations of the Slovak Republic following from international treaties;

d)  it is in the interest of the Slovak Republic;

e) the applicant is a family member of a foreigner who was granted asylum or subsidiary protection.

The national visa entitles its holder to reside in the Slovak Republic for the duration of its validity but also in other Member States for a period not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period. The national visa may be issued with maximum validity of 1 year.

Please note that if the length of stay of a foreigner in the Slovak Republic exceeds 90 days the foreigner shall apply for a residence permit or a national visa (if the criteria for the granting of the national visa are met).   

Further information on conditions for the issuance of national visas

Which document should I submit with a visa application?

In general, when lodging the application the applicant is required to:

1) present a completed application form
2) present a valid travel document
3) present a full-face colour photo, conform to ICAO standards
4) allow the collection of his fingerprints
5) provide supporting documents indicating the purpose and conditions of the journey
6) where applicable, provide proof of possession of adequate and valid travel medical insurance

NOTICE:

Should your application be denied, the organizing committee cannot change the decision of visa officer, nor will ICMRED engage in discussion or correspondence with the visa application center on behalf of the applicant. The registration fee CANNOT be refunded when the VISA application of individual being denied.