Crucial Conversations
1-Day Live-Online, intensive, interactive and practical course
“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” – George Bernard Shaw
In both our professional and private lives, the ability to engage in crucial conversations—those discussions where opinions differ, stakes are high, and emotions can run strong—is essential. Whether it’s discussing a performance issue with a colleague or addressing a sensitive situation with a loved one, mastering the art of crucial conversations can lead to more effective communication and stronger relationships, in both personal and professional settings.
This online workshop will provide participants with the skills, strategies, and confidence needed to navigate these challenging dialogues, ensuring that their voices are heard while remaining respectful and constructive.
The training is addressed to:
- Remote Team Leaders
- Managers and Supervisors
- HR Professionals
- Project Managers
- Individuals looking to enhance personal communication skills
- Customer Service Representatives
- Anyone involved in collaborative or familial discussions.
Objectives
This online workshop on “Crucial Conversations” is designed to empower participants to effectively communicate in both their professional and personal lives, fostering stronger connections and more productive interactions.
By the end of the course participants will be able to:
- Develop the ability to hold respectful and difficult conversations in varied contexts.
- Gain confidence in addressing both professional challenges and personal conflicts.
- Enhance listening skills and emotional intelligence.
- Cultivate a constructive approach to disagreement and conflict resolution.
- Build resilience and improve overall relationship satisfaction.
Similarly, organisations will also benefit as participants are able to:
- Foster a culture of open, transparent communication, reducing misunderstandings.
- Improve team dynamics, productivity, and morale through better conflict management.
- Encourage a supportive work environment that values diverse opinions.
- Enhance employee retention by creating healthy, communicative workplace relationships.
- Drive better collaboration that translates to improved project outcomes.
Benefits
What makes our training methodology unique?
This is a Live Online, interactive, intensive, practical and case-study-based course in the form of a workshop. Participants will be able to ask questions and interact with the group and the trainer whilst working on case studies.
Participants will engage in breakout rooms to share real-life scenarios, discussing challenges and outcomes to gain insights from each other’s experiences. A significant aspect of this workshop involves participating in role-playing exercises that simulate realistic scenarios from both the workplace and daily life. These exercises aim to enhance participants’ confidence and skill application.
This agenda provides a structured framework for a one-day training workshop on crucial conversations, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and practical skills development.
Two 15-minute breaks and a 1-hour lunch break will be incorporated into the programme, with an opportunity for informal networking and discussions in breakout sessions.
Introduction to Crucial Conversations:
- Define crucial conversations and their significance.
- Discuss the potential risks of avoiding difficult discussions and the benefits of engaging effectively.
Understanding the Elements of a Crucial Conversation:
- Identify the key components: High stakes, strong emotions, and differing opinions.
- Explore the impact of avoidance on relationships and outcomes.
Preparing for Crucial Conversations:
- Assess personal goals for the conversation and desired outcomes.
- Understand the other party’s potential perspectives and interests.
- Develop a clear message to communicate effectively.
Creating a Safe Environment:
- Techniques for establishing safety in conversations.
- Practice active listening and empathy to foster trust.
Effective Communication Techniques:
- Use “I” statements vs. “You” statements to express feelings and needs.
- Learn to ask open-ended questions to encourage dialogue.
- Reframe negative interactions with a positive approach.
Strategies for Managing Emotions:
- Recognize personal emotional triggers and responses.
- Techniques for staying calm and composed under pressure.
Role-Playing Scenarios:
- Engage in guided role-play to practice crucial conversation techniques.
- Apply learned strategies to real-life scenarios in a supportive environment.
Debriefing and Reflection:
- Discuss experiences from role-plays and identify areas for improvement.
- Share insights and key takeaways.
Developing an Action Plan:
- Identify specific upcoming conversations where skills can be applied.
- Set personal goals for implementing techniques in future interactions.
- Develop an individualized action plan that can be implement immediately into daily conversations, both at work and home.
Closing and Q&A:
- Recap key takeaways from the workshop.
- Open the floor for questions and final insights from participants.
- Distribution of digital resources/support materials
Witold Rychłowski - Experienced EY Academy of Business trainer, business trainer and consultant, professional negotiator and mediator