The Challenging Conversations Program
People have a natural tendency to avoid delivering a difficult message and can sometimes hold back from having challenging conversations… but the willingness of leaders to discuss difficult issues is critical to team and organisation success.
Full-day Workshop
In this 1-day workshop we will look at challenging conversations: what they are, what stops us having them, and the factors that influence successful delivery.
We will also experiment with preparing for an actual challenging conversation you need to have, so you can practice in a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Learn how to prepare for an uncomfortable conversation.
- Understand why it is unkind (and unfair) to tell half-truths and set vague expectations.
- Know what is required to create psychological safety – and recreate it if lost.
- Understand when different types of conversations are needed.
- Evaluate the impact of avoiding challenging conversations.
Philosophy
To provide a supportive and collaborative environment for leaders to undertake professional development that generates a lasting impact on both the individuals involved and the organisations they lead, in terms of skill enhancement and the creation of sustainable learning communities.
Sample Structure (over a full-year)
One-Day Workshop
February
Full day face-to-face workshop for up to 18 people.
To teach skills and build confidence to hold a challenging conversation.
Read more about the full-day Challenging Conversations Workshop.
Small Group Coaching
Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct
60-minute group coaching sessions, in small groups of 5-6.
Small group coaching is an effective way to support participants with the integration and application of new learning.
A group size of 5-6 allows for a high degree of interaction and individual attention, with group members sharing and learning from their peers and the collective wisdom of the group. At the end of each session, participants will be asked to identify a key learning and make a commitment to action.
Read more about Small Group Coaching.
1:1 Coaching
Mar/May/Jul
30-minute 1:1 virtual mentor coaching sessions.
Each participant will work 1:1 with an ICF-Accredited Coach on the development and application of new skills.
These 30-minute virtual sessions provide an opportunity for participants to reflect on their ‘experiments’ with challenging conversations, to celebrate successes, identify missed opportunities, and explore challenges encountered.
Accountability Buddy
Ongoing
Self-paced practice with a peer.
Participants will be required to make personal commitments to action, experiment between sessions & reflect continuously.
Working together, they will share and hold each other accountable.
Shifting Mindset
As a leader, you have a responsibility to deliver difficult messages. We will explore the shift from “difficult conversation” to “compassionate conversation”.
Tools to Help You
We will introduce a structure to help you prepare – to say what needs to be said, with a focus on shared understanding and co-creation.
Skills to Help You
Developing fundamental skills for compassionate communication (listening to understand, overcoming assumptions and managing your emotions).
Delivery
- The program will normally run over a period of 6-10 months. The structure above is an example only.
- Up to 18 participants can be registered for the Coaching Conversations Program.
- For face-to-face delivery, the venue is to be organised by the client, noting that a well-chosen venue can enhance the experience.
- The full-day workshop will be scheduled in consultation with the organisation for a date that suits the group.
- 6 participants will be allocated to each small group. A smaller group size guarantees participants a high degree of interaction, and individual attention.
- Small group coaching sessions will be scheduled in consultation with the organisation for dates/times that suit the group.
- Pre-work and other supporting resources will be provided throughout the program.
- To maintain participant confidentiality, small group coaching sessions are not recorded.
- Small group coaching sessions can be delivered virtually (via Zoom) or face-to-face.
Small Group Coaching Approach
These small group coaching programs provide an opportunity for participants to normalise their experience and learn from the collective wisdom of the group. Coaching uses an action learning approach and at the end of each session participants will be asked to clarify the action or experiment to which they are committed. As part of the program design, between sessions, participants will be encouraged to experiment with new tools and behaviours.
Feedback from Participants
~ Program Participants ~
“An excellent workshop that really gave me the tools to manage challenging conversations.”
“So good to be able to collaborate and hear from others, getting ideas and feedback. Learning about my own triggers and use this to be able to build my confidence in my ability to have compassionate conversations going forward.”
“The structure of the day. Breaking down key factors surrounding these conversations. Listening to others and hearing them share the same triggers and emotions they experience.”
I was a little concerned about the day and how formal it would be. I appreciate the approach taken and look forward to future sessions.”
“There is so much I took away. The FOCUS template to prepare for conversation was helpful. It was also helpful to shift the thinking from a negative conversation to a positive thought process and being open to learning.
“It was honest and supportive of what we can achieve.”
“Shared learning with research is the best learning.”
“I think anyone can learn, no matter their experience level.”
“All new leaders need to know how to effectively address these situations.”
“Very interesting, insightful and will leave with some immediate actions in toolkit.”
I am dedicated to unlocking the potential of individuals and teams.
My commitment is to ensure you get the most out of the time and money you invest.
