Conversations to Engage and Influence

(1.5 days)

The purpose of this workshop is to explore barriers to having challenging conversations, understand the risks for not having these conversations as well as rewards for doing so, and learn strategies and practices for preparing for and facilitating conversations that participants find challenging.

Developing the ability to engage and influence through conversations is a key competency to promote psychologically safe and effective workplaces. It helps individuals build confidence to host conversations about challenging topics one-on-one and in groups, which contributes to an environment that promotes meaningful connections.

By the end of this course participants will:

• Develop awareness of barriers to having challenging conversations
• Understand the importance of conversational competency to engage and influence
• Describe the key elements of creating relational space that support dialogue and psychological safety
• Explain what is meant by compassion and how it supports effective conversations
• Apply the steps of conversations to engage and influence
• Develop confidence to enter difficult conversations

This highly interactive workshop series is often offered in two or three parts with practice between the workshop sessions. However, should your need require holding the workshop in one day, we can accommodate that.

Part 1 – Building Awareness and Leaning In

In this session participants will discuss the concept and importance of developing the competency to have engaging and influential conversations. They will explore personal assumptions, motivations and barriers to having these conversations. The Intentional Impact Model is presented as a framework for creating relational space that enables meaningful connection and effective conversations. They will leave with checklists and tools that they can apply following the workshop as well as personal practices that support presence and deep listening in all interactions.

Part 2 – Respond Vs React : Conversations in Action

In this session participants will learn and practice a process for preparing for and engaging in conversations that they find challenging. This session focuses on navigating challenging conversations that are planned and those that occur “in the moment” that may create a defensive or fear-based response. Participants will learn and practice strategies to stay centred and respond versus react to the moment in order to use these opportunities to cultivate meaningful connection.