Coaching for Challenging Conversations

The ongoing task of developing talented people requires many kinds of conversations. No matter how effective you are as a coach and manager, you will face situations that require tough conversations. In fact, working with hard-working, high-achieving, committed people requires challenging conversations if they and you are to continue to grow and excel.

This Program will enable you to:

• Tackle Challenging Conversations - Develop the confidence to eliminate conflict, rather than delaying or avoiding challenging conversations
• Grow and Excel - Understand that challenging conversations are necessary for the growth of committed and hard-working people
• Keep your emotions under control - Engage in challenging conversations and listen objectively to others
• Acquire self awareness - Develop the self-management skills that are necessary to stay cool, calm and focused throughout the conversation

Personal benefits

• Improve your interpersonal communication skills
• Become a more courageous manager, willing to constructively challenge others to excel

Organizational benefits

• Productive engaged employees. There is a high correlation between one's ability to handle conflict and productivity.
• Increased energy and morale, enabling strong relationships and employee satisfaction.
• A healthier, more positive work environment

The Program covers the following curriculum:

• Review of the coaching model and how confrontation fits within this style of managing
• Self-assessment (Thomas-Kilman Conflict Management Instrument) to determine personal tendencies in conflict situations
• Preparing oneself to be self-assured
• Managing yourself "in the moment" during a challenging conversation
• Preparing an opening for a challenging conversation that reduces negative reaction
• Common roadblocks to successful outcomes and how to avoid them
• Four key communication skills that create an honest, safe environment
• Structuring and directing the conversation to a successful outcome
• "Putting it together" - Prepare, deliver and receive coaching on an impending difficult conversation