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Having Courageous Conversations

The way past a difficult workplace situation is almost never around it — it's straight through, in the conversation most people would rather avoid.

About the course

This 1-day workshop draws on transactional analysis and locus of control to prepare delegates for hard discussions, then equips them with the 3-step assertiveness technique, the BEEF Sandwich method, and Fogging. The result: staff who can face power misuse or unclear expectations head-on instead of letting them fester.

What it covers

Why are Courageous Conversations necessary?

Living in a VUCA environment.
How our history influences our thinking.
How fear based decision making has influenced our behaviours.
The impact of the above factors on the working environment.

The science of the Brain

How our perceptions are formed.
What is the difference between assumption and perception.
How to avoid a jump in illogicality.

Understanding Power and Transactional Analysis

Adjusting our personal approach and locus of control.
Using accountability as a gift to step fully into our own lives.

Understanding when Courageous Conversations are necessary

Power Misuse.
Power Abuse.
When others are oblivious.
When we as individuals need clarity.

The Conversation

Checking inward.
Clarifying emotions.
Set the space and time.
Expecting discomfort.
Framing the conversation.
Non combative opening of conversation.
Listening with a view to understanding.
Speak your truth.
Accept the possible lack of closure.
Questions to ensure co-operation and collaboration.
Agreeing on a way forward.
Remaining professional.

Useful Communication Tools

3 step assertiveness technique.
Fogging.
The BEEF Sandwich.
Timing of silence.
Finding the AND and not the OR.
Words that soften.

How we run it

The learners will be able to discern the needs of their clients and colleagues and adapt their own approach to the situation, resulting in more favourable resolutions to any given discussion.

Course outline (PDF)

Run it for your team

We can adapt Having Courageous Conversations to your industry and your people’s real situations, and run it at your premises, at our venue or as a virtual workshop. We agree the outline with you before you order, and the rate per delegate drops as the group grows.