Communication Options

Working with Difficult Conversations

Every day, especially in business, people face potentially difficult conversations about issues like poor job performance, changes in job descriptions or responsibility, solidifying shaky alliances, etc. This workshop helps people prepare for interactions where they feel anxious about the consequences.

Building on skills learned in the Essential Communication Skills module, we use role-play and intensive coaching with video taping to reinforce strengths and expand conversational options.

Topics include:

Knowing one’s own assumptions and detecting another's assumptions
Shifting from combat-mode to solution-mode
Taking in messages even when you disagree
Keeping short and long term goals in mind during the conversation
Understanding the possibility of influence and the improbability of control
Avoiding blame and stereotypes
Minimizing people's disruptive emotions
Using self-calming methods to stay focused and centered

Participants will leave this training with enhanced skills for navigating difficult conversations.

Prerequisite: Essential Communication Skills module