Courage to Communicate

Course Number:  023-MS
Recommended Duration:  1 Day

Intended Audience:  All Employees

Course Overview
Most people are uncomfortable having difficult conversations, primarily because they haven’t been taught how to do it effectively. This course helps participants enhance their ability to manage conflict through an effective conversation structure. This experimental learning workshop teaches participants to understand common approaches to conflict, how to recognize responses to conflict (in self and in others) and how to conduct difficult conversations in a respectful manner. Participants will also practice applying the communication model, receive coaching on their technique and create a personal commitment plan.

Objectives/Topics
As a result of taking this course, you will learn to:

• Understand key causes of conflict

• Appreciate 5 common approaches to conflict and gain an awareness of the pros/cons of using each

• Recognize responses to conflict (self/others)

• Appreciate key behaviors for conducting a difficult conversation. 4-element framework to deliver messages so it’s easiest for the listener to receive. 7 guidelines to help you respectfully receive a tough message

• Apply communication model for managing problematic conversations

• Receive coaching following skill practice

• Brainstorm ways to introduce and apply the tools after the workshop

• Increase confidence in interacting with all levels (home/work)

• Create a personal commitment plan to drive lasting improvement

Prerequisites:  None