Javidi, Dr. Mitch
Elastic Identity in Crisis: Expanding the Negotiator

Crisis negotiators operate in high-stakes, high-uncertainty environments where identity and adaptability determine outcomes.

This session introduces the concept of Elastic Identity, distinguishing it from rigid and merely resilient identities.

Drawing from Dr. Javidi's 2025 Elastic Identity book, national data, and Dr. Shauna Springer's assessment tool, participants will explore how their own identity elasticity impacts their ability to de-escalate, influence, and build rapport in volatile situations. The session blends theory with practice, guiding negotiators to strengthen their psychological flexibility and negotiation effectiveness.

Key interactive components include:

  • A self-assessment of their personal elasticity using Shauna Springer's tool.
  • Group reflection on national data trends around rigidity, resilience, and elasticity.
  • Practical strategies to shift from "good" (resilient) to MAGNUS (elastic) identity when negotiating with individuals in crisis. Learning Objectives

    By the end of this 4-hour workshop, participants will be able to:

    1. Differentiate Identity Modes: Explain the distinctions between rigid, resilient, and elastic identities and analyze how each identity mode influences negotiation strategies, adaptability, and outcomes in crisis situations.

    2. Assess and Reflect on Personal Elasticity: Complete Shauna Springer's Elasticity Assessment, interpret their results against national data, and reflect on how their personal identity style may affect their negotiation approach and effectiveness.

    3. Apply Elastic Strategies in Negotiations: Develop at least three practical strategies to enhance their own elasticity, expanding capacity to connect with subjects, remain adaptive under stress, and shift perspectives in real time, ultimately improving negotiation success.

    Exclusive Participant Access

    All participants attending this session will receive complimentary 1-year access to NTOA's MAGNUS ONE App:
  • Audio editions of MAGNUS OVEA, Elastic Identity, and Love to Inspire

  • Self-Assessments, including the 11 RINGS, with personalized dashboards and reports.

  • Links to select NTOA resources

  • Elastic Identity knowledge-building tools & gamifications designed for applied practice

  • MAGNUS Coach AI, a digital performance coach offering real-time strategies, feedback, and growth prompts.

    Additionally, Dr. Javidi plans to bring 150 print copies of his book to sign for participants who wish to have a signed copy at no cost!

    This resource package ensures negotiators can continue learning, practicing, and integrating the skills introduced during the workshop long after the conference concludes.

    • Dr. Mitch Javidi - Bio
    Mitch Javidi, Ph.D. is chancellor of the National Command and Staff College and a retired professor at NC State University. He is an honorary member of the US Army Special Operations Command. He has more than 30 years of practical and hands-on experience in diverse industries including academia, military, law enforcement, government, and technology. As a globally recognized leader, he is the founder of the National Command & Staff College, the International Academy of Public Safety, the Institute for Credible Leadership development, the Criminal Justice Commission for Credible Leadership Development, and the MAGNUS Officers Leadership. He has trained at the Joint Special Operations Command "JSOC" and the US Army Special Operations Command "USASOC."

    Javidi was awarded the honorary member of the United States Army Special Operations Command in 1999 and honorary Sheriff by the National Sheriffs' Association in 2016. He served as a tenured Associate Professor at NC State University for 16 years before taking an early retirement but continues to serve as an Adjunct professor without pay (by choice) at both NC State and Illinois State Universities. He is a member of the "Academy of Outstanding Teachers and Scholars" at NC State University and the Distinguished 2004 Alumni of the University of Oklahoma. He is a published scholar with over 890 conference presentations worldwide. His most recent books are entitled "Deliberate Leadership: Achieving Success Through Personal Styles," "Handbook of Research on Effective Communication, Leadership, and Conflict Resolution", and "Moral Compass for Law Enforcement Professionals." His coauthored article entitled "Human Factors: Police Leaders Improving Safety While Developing Meaningful Public Trust" coauthored with Dr. Anthony Normore and Lt. Darius Bone was recently published by the FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. Javidi was the recipient of the prestigious "Person of the Year" award by the National Society of Accountants ~ Senator William Victor "Bill" Roth, Jr. "Roth IRA" received the award in the following year. . Mitch is Dean of Academic and Leadership Affairs for the National Tactical Officers Association Command College.