Can We Talk? Creating the Conditions for Dialog

Library: Can We Talk? Creating the Conditions for DialogKevin R.Thomas, Manager,Training & Development · Office of Human Resources · [email protected] · 413-597-3542

April/May 2016

[email protected]

Manager, Training and DevelopmentOffice of Human Resources

Presented by Kevin R. Thomas

Can We Talk?Creating the Conditions for

Dialog


• Initiate and conduct productive conversations aboutuncomfortable topics with coworkers, to:– Increase trust– Solve problems– Create a positive work environment

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Objectives


• Participation• Listening• A Note on Confidentiality

Ground Rules


• What kinds of conversations are difficult?• What makes them

difficult?

You Write the Slide


The Fight/Flight Response in the Workplace

• Social needs are primary needs• We experience a “threat response” to the prospect of

risking damage to social relationships.• Threats trigger our brains’ flight or fight response.• We are likely to experience a desire to avoid or delay

these conversations –OR- “Have it out” with people in a way that is counterproductive.


• Start with safer topics and safer people• Learn from experience• Develop confidence• Work your way towards

more difficult conversations

Practice Makes Perfect


Difficult Conversation Done RightWhat strategies were used?How did they handle emotions?

http://youtu.be/R_SeQQTpVeE




“Can we take a minute to talk to something that’s a concern to me? I think we’d both benefit from the discussion.”

Open an Inquiry


“I don’t want to do it needlessly either …. If you see it differently, I’d like to hear your view.”

Demonstrate Support


Ladders of Inference


“We’ve been over these points before, you don’t seem to disagree with them. That makes me wonder if the reason you want to forgo the limo is to avoid having to justify the expense to corporate, even if it might be a wise decision.”

Share Your Ladder of Inference


“Is that part of what’s going on here, or am I jumping to conclusions? … If you see it differently I’d like to hear your view.”

Invite them to share their perspective


• Often people rush to solutions too quickly.

• Focus on small steps that could make things a bit better.

• Ensure both parties are generating ideas.

• Make commitments clear and concrete.

• Schedule a time to check in about progress.

Solutions focused conversations


• Break into groups • Read the case study• Should the protagonist

talk to anyone?• Who?• How should the

protagonist start the conversation?

Case Study Discussions

1Lunch Room

Trouble

2Little Help?

3Awkward Meetings

4Odd

Coworker


Links coming via email:

Contact Kevin Thomas at 413-597-3542or email [email protected]

Can We Talk?

Questions?

• Course page link to all course materials• Program evaluation link, feedback welcome

Creating the Conditions for Dialog

Can We Talk? Creating the Conditions for Dialog

Business

Transcript of Can We Talk? Creating the Conditions for Dialog