How to Manage Difficult Conversations (Live Online)

Even in the best corporate cultures, some conversations are tricky. Explore why these conversations are so difficult, how to manage emotions that result from this, and what strategies to apply as managers, leaders, or individual contributors, to navigate these challenging conversations. This Express Skills course would augment Mastering the Art of Critical Conversations.Course ObjectiveWhy are some conversations difficult? Fight or flight: the science behind our emotional response. Recognize signs of “fight or flight” in yourself and others.Respond to triggers in yourself and others. How does remote/flexible work and climate heighten “fight or flight” in workplace conversations?Analyze your experienceHow You Will BenefitReduce fear and anxiety around engaging in challenging conversationsImprove your confidence and ability to handle difficult conversations wellBe the example of how to approach difficult conversationsWhat you will cover:Become familiar with the science behind emotional responses to challenging conversationsRecognize signs of fight or flight and respond to triggers in themselves and others Shift from an adversarial stance to a collaborative approach to conversations  Define the objective of a challenging conversation and keep the conversation on trackUse communication techniques to manage a challenging conversation and produce better outcomesWho Should AttendIndividual contributors, leaders, managers, team leadersOutline ClassroomThe emotional response to difficult conversationsWhy are some conversations difficult? Fight or flight: the science behind our emotional responseRecognize signs of “fight or flight” in yourself and othersRespond to triggers in yourself and othersHow does remote/flexible work and climate heighten “fight or flight” in workplace conversations?Analyze your experienceThe personal and business imperative for managing emotions when engaging in difficult conversationsReflect on the personal and organizational benefits of short-circuiting the fight or flight responseReframe the conversation Explore the crippling assumptions we make around truth, motives, and blame Understand the need for a mindset of curiosity and openness and how to make the shiftMoving toward a better conversation: communication techniques to navigate challenging conversationsUnderstand the need for identifying a conversation objective and how to respond when things get off track Develop cooperative language to minimize emotional reactions and achieve a desirable outcome“I” messagesSticking to the facts and impactAsking questions and reflective listeningAssertive communication  Analyze your experience and identify which techniques you need to work on—based on whether you tend to fight or flee