Handling Difficult Conversations

Duration: 1 Day

Course Overview

We have so many interactions in the run of a day, it’s reasonable to expect that some of them are going to be difficult. These conversations occur as a result of normal working life and cover the range of performance review, addressing difficulty with change, leading a team. These can be delayed, but the resultant output will be a lot worse than if the conversation was undertaken early on. These conversations with team members, colleagues or peers, but developing the skills to have a difficult conversation, allows you to continue to work and collaborate together. This workshop will provide the tools to manage difficult conversations and get the best results possible. 

How can I attend my course?

On-line from
your chosen location

At our dedicated
training facility

On-site at
your premises

COURSE OBJECTIVES

• Establish a positive intent and a desired outcome
• Use good communication skills during a conversation
• Use specific steps to carry out a difficult conversation

Course Content

Being Proactive

• Rather than waiting and putting off a conversation, being proactive, by providing feedback and insights.
• Having a conversation, early, to avoid potential conflict from occurring.
• Developing a continuous performance state of mind.
• Becoming the trusted partner and developing managerial courage.

Choosing to Have the Conversation

• Considering the consequences: 
– Your first step in managing a difficult conversation (even if it happens suddenly) is to consider the potential outcomes and decide whether or not the conversation has enough value for you
• Establishing positive intent:
– Entering a conversation with a positive intent, learning to reframe issues
– Considering the consequences, as well as how to explore their frame of reference, and identify what you both want from the conversation
• Identifying the desired outcome:
– Begin with the end in mind. 
– Being clear about the outcome and the rationale behind the decision

Toolkit for Successful Conversations

• Enhancing your communication skills for a successful conversation.
• Tools for managing their body language, speaking persuasively, active listening, asking questions, and using probing techniques

Choosing the Time and Place

• Framing the conversation by selecting an appropriate meeting place and time for a difficult conversation
• Considering the environment in which the conversation will take place

Framework for Difficult Conversations

Using an eight-step process for success

Staying Safe

• Handle conversations in a safe way by developing mutual respect; common ground, maintaining control and direction
• What do when things do not work out Review of the Scrum process
• Comparison with other methodologies
• Benefits of pair programming
• Group exercise to discuss which aspects of Agile and Scrum can be applied to the delegates’ organisations.

Testing the Waters

Strategizing solutions to a difficult conversation

You will receive a full set of course notes
and all supporting materials for your course.

Hard Copy Delivered to your premises or Downloaded to a chosen device.

To book this course please call 
+44 (0) 1444 410296 or email Info@kplknowledge.co.uk