Having Difficult Conversations
Boulder
Colorado
80301
United States
What You Will Learn :
- To learn various approaches in response to difficult situations
- To identify symptoms that difficulties exist and the root cause
- To identify strategies to move from conflict to cooperation
- To use helpful language to ask for what you need
Description
Most of us want to avoid having difficult conversations at all costs and usually it’s based on a misconception that all conflict is bad. In reality, difficult conversations and conflict can push teams to be more innovative and take relationships to a new level of openness, honesty and understanding.
Most of us don’t consciously manage difficult situations. Rather, when having to engage in a hard discussion with someone, we are used to it getting emotionally charged and people jumping to defend themselves, resulting in an argument. This is a normal human reaction called “the fight or flight” syndrome. But there is a better way!
The key to handling these difficult conversations is to slow down, assess the situation from a non-judgmental point of view and decide what approach to take given the situation. This type of conscious behavior can be learned and is our focus today.
If handled appropriately, working through difficult conversations can create strong bonds between team members and pave the way for improved communication. However, if handled inappropriately, these tough conversations can quickly destroy workplace relationships and cause team members to become disgruntled and dissatisfied with their jobs.
In this workshop, participants will explore “elephants” in the room and benefits to addressing these sensitive topics before they grow out of control. They will identify symptoms and sources of the issue, including exploring their natural approach to handling difficult conversations to determine if there is a better way.
TRAINING CONTENT
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTION
- To identify symptoms that difficulties exist and the root cause
- To learn various approaches in response to difficult situations
- To identify strategies to move from conflict to cooperation
- To learn how to invite and offer constructive feedback when handling a difficult conversation
- To use helpful language to ask for what you need
ELEPHANTS
To recognize that a difficult situation exists and steps to handle it appropriately.
SYMPTOMS AND SOURCES
To identify symptoms that alert you an issue exists. To identify the probable cause and source of the issue so that you can effectively address it.
OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS
To identify the benefits of addressing a difficult issue rather than letting it go unresolved
BEHAVIORS
To identify the behaviors that escalate or de-escalate a difficult situation
COMMUNICATION AND CONFLICT APPROACH
To identify your natural approach to addressing difficult situations and how it has had an impact on you and your relationships. To determine the right approach and style given the situation.
MOVING FROM CONFLICT TO COOPERATION
To learn steps that help you stay present during a difficult conversation and move from conflict to cooperation.
ASKING FOR WHAT YOU NEED
To learn a simple communication strategy to ask for what you need in a difficult conversation.
CHECKLIST FOR FEEDBACK
To remind the learner about the importance of being open to giving and receiving difficult feedback.
SUMMARY AND ACTION PLANNING
To review learning outcomes, build action plans and evaluate program.