Mastering Crucial Conversations

1 day
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
🏢 Corporate Groups

Workshop Description

We’ve all experienced moments when an important conversation needed to happen—but hesitation, frustration, or fear of conflict kept us from speaking up. Sometimes we sugarcoat the message, hint at the issue, or use humor to soften the blow—only to find that our message was misunderstood or met with defensiveness. These missed conversations can erode trust, lower morale, and stall progress.

This highly interactive workshop helps participants learn how to speak—and listen—during high-stakes, emotional, or sensitive discussions. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, participants will discover how to express themselves clearly, stay composed under pressure, and create an atmosphere of mutual respect. When individuals and teams learn to hold crucial conversations effectively, they generate better ideas, make stronger decisions, and build unity and commitment that lead to lasting positive results.

Note! Participants should complete the online Style Under Stress Assessment by VitalSmart prior to attending this course.

Workshop Objectives

• Identify the crucial conversations that may be preventing desired personal or professional results.
• Recognize personal communication styles and reactions when under stress or conflict.
• Communicate persuasively—without becoming abrasive—regardless of the topic or situation.
• Create a safe environment that encourages open, honest dialogue and mutual respect.
• Apply techniques to effectively engage with individuals who either withdraw (“clam up”) or react defensively (“blow up”).
• Maintain emotional composure and self-control during difficult discussions.
• Distinguish between objective facts and the subjective stories we tell ourselves about others’ intentions.
• Speak candidly and respectfully while preserving trust and relationships.
• Use strategies to express disagreement constructively without damaging rapport.
• Influence others through credibility, empathy, and collaboration rather than authority or force.

Workshop Outcomes

The ability to share facts, ideas, feelings, and opinions candidly and honestly.
The ability to stay focused on what you really want to achieve and maintain dialogue.
An understanding of how motives change when conversations turn crucial.
An awareness of the warning signs that safety is at risk and the steps to rebuild it to engage in productive dialogue.
Identification of one’s personal Style Under Stress™ and manage it.
The ability to use specific skills to maintain the sharing of information.
The capability to stay in dialogue when you’re angry, frustrated or hurt.
The ability to speak persuasively, not abrasively.
The skills to share strong opinions without shutting down opposing views.
The ability to encourage others to share issues they fear bringing up.
The knowledge and skills to move from healthy dialogue to taking action and achieving results.

Workshop Format:

Education and training provided by a knowledgeable and experienced workshop facilitator.
Experimental learning activities.
Application exercises that will lead to a deeper understanding of the concepts and potential outcomes.
Group exercises and discussions.
Role-playing sessions that allow participants to put theory into practice.

Cancellation Policy: 5 working days for full refund. Cancellations after that time are charged full tuition for the course.

For more information regarding refund, concerns, and/or program cancellation policies please contact our offices at 919-878-7100 ext. 22

Course Information

Length: 1 day

Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Delivery: Group Live (Virtual or On-Site)

Mastering Crucial Conversations

Course Information

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