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A set of essential steps, plus the right approach, makes so-called ‘difficult conversations’ much easier.
This Northgate training activity comes with a licence for repeat use with up to 24 participants per training session within your organisation. Please ask for a discount for use with larger groups.
3-24 (1-4 teams of 3-6 per team)
1 hour + debrief
Not required
£350
In stock
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(normally next working day)
£15
(1-2 working days)
£29
(1-5 working days)
£39
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Many managers are fearful of so-called ‘difficult’ conversations. This activity equips them with the tools and confidence to hold effective, honest conversations with their staff.
Teams receive a Profile Card about "Aneesha", who has ‘issues’ that need to be addressed by her manager - represented by the teams. Teams then prepare for a conversation with Aneesha about her issues. (Note teams only prepare for the conversation - this is not a role-play activity). At this stage teams are given no guidance - it’s totally up to them how they plan for the meeting. After 15 minutes they make brief presentations of their plans.
Note how they perform. Did they for example set clear objectives for the conversation, identify specific critical events to support their views, think about the mindset in which the conversation should be conducted and identify the right tone for the meeting?
Next, issue the Questionnaire. This is designed to generate discussion and ideas on the topic of 'difficult conversations'. What does the term mean, what is the ultimate objective of such a conversation, why do people often fear the task? Discuss the responses with the whole group and identify key points.
Teams now receive a second Profile Card -this time relating to Lucas. But they also receive a handout, Planning the Conversation, and are asked to prepare for an interview with Lucas. Equipped with the guide to planning and all the tips and techniques learned so far from the session, the team plans should be more focused and well thought out than for Aneesha. After 15-20 minutes ask for brief presentations.
In the debrief, there are lots of useful key points to discuss and a further handout Key Points Checklist for participants to take away.
Participants leave with confidence - realising that holding 'difficult conversations' is not that difficult after all. It's all about sound preparation, identifying the facts, having an open, enquiring mindset and following a few common sense rules.
NOTE: for both Aneesha and Lucas two sorts of Profile Cards are included. The text on both is identical but the images are different. Does appearance make a difference to perception? There are also two extra profile cards for variety.
This activity is NOT a role play though there is additional material for an optional role play session.
Full guidance supplied in the Trainer’s Notes.
Northgate Activities make an excellent and good value part of a wider development programme. They are fun and highly effective. From a facilitator's point of view they are easy to learn, adapt and deliver.
Jonathan Aylwin, C2C Program Manager (Global Industrial), TE Connectivity
My colleagues and I have been using Northgate activities for 25 years for team-based learning and we have always been impressed by the quality of the material and the insights the students get from taking part in these activities.
Paul Roberts, Principal Fellow for Quality & Reliability, WMG, University of Warwick
The 'Difficult Conversations' activity came at just the right time for us as we were designing a People Management course which included having difficult conversations. The case studies and role play generated valuable discussions and the delegates commented that the “Planning A Conversation” guide was a handy tool they would use again in the future.
Julia Latimer, Leadership & Management Development Consultant, Network Rail
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