Difficult Conversations

Formats ⟩  Live Virtual: 4 hrs./1 Day  |  In-Person: 6 hrs./1 Day

We all have difficult conversations. And, too often, no matter what we try, things don’t go well. Should you say what you are thinking and risk possible conflict? Swallow your views and feel like a doormat. Or should you really let them have it? But what if you are wrong? This interactive workshop shows you how to handle the toughest conversations more effectively and with less anxiety.

2-Day Option: Expanded learning of course objectives with added content, activities, and business scenarios.

Learning Objectives »

  • Effectively prepare for difficult conversations
  • Separate feelings, data, and judgments (or beliefs)
  • Advocate your positions, even when controversial
  • Ask for change without confrontation
  • Use clarity and focus during “hard talk”
  • Break thought temperament and emotion
  • Provide a framework for mutual contribution

Course Agenda

The Hard Talk

  1. Defining Difficult Conversations
  2. The Missing Conversation
  3. Preparing for the Conversation
  4. Directional Dialogue

Four Conversations

  1. The “Feelings” Conversation
  2. The “What Happened” Conversation
  3. The Contribution System Map
  4. The “Identity” Conversation
  5. The “What’s Next” Conversation

Feedback Communication

  1. Giving Feedback
  2. “I” Language
  3. Using Empathy
  4. Asking for Cooperation
  5. Feedback Activity

Putting It Together

  1. The Third Story
  2. Live In The Question
  3. Stand in the “And”
  4. The Hard Talk Itinerary
People sitting at a boardroom with an African business woman talking with staff at a formal meeting debrief. Diverse client partners listens to boss and CEO team

Difficult Conversations

Formats ⟩  Live Virtual: 4 hrs./1 Day  |  In-Person: 6 hrs./1 Day

We all have difficult conversations. And, too often, no matter what we try, things don’t go well. Should you say what you are thinking and risk possible conflict? Swallow your views and feel like a doormat. Or should you really let them have it? But what if you are wrong? This interactive workshop shows you how to handle the toughest conversations more effectively and with less anxiety.

2-Day Option: Expanded learning of course objectives with added content, activities, and business scenarios.

Learning Objectives »

  • Effectively prepare for difficult conversations
  • Separate feelings, data, and judgments (or beliefs)
  • Advocate your positions, even when controversial
  • Ask for change without confrontation
  • Use clarity and focus during “hard talk”
  • Break thought temperament and emotion
  • Provide a framework for mutual contribution

Course Agenda

The Hard Talk

  1. Defining Difficult Conversations
  2. The Missing Conversation
  3. Preparing for the Conversation
  4. Directional Dialogue

Four Conversations

  1. The “Feelings” Conversation
  2. The “What Happened” Conversation
  3. The Contribution System Map
  4. The “Identity” Conversation
  5. The “What’s Next” Conversation

Feedback Communication

  1. Giving Feedback
  2. “I” Language
  3. Using Empathy
  4. Asking for Cooperation
  5. Feedback Activity

Putting It Together

  1. The Third Story
  2. Live In The Question
  3. Stand in the “And”
  4. The Hard Talk Itinerary