Courageous Conversations Training - Ripple Learning

Courageous Conversations Training

Training in how to have difficult conversations


Giving an employee feedback… returning a call to an angry customer… asking your boss to change your working hours...

These are stressful conversations, unless you have the skills.

Courageous Conversations teaches employees how to have difficult conversations successfully. It’s a highly practical workshop where participants can observe skill demonstrations and practice their skills in a supportive environment.

What your employees will learn:

  • How your brain and body respond to the stress of these triggering conversations
  • Techniques to de-activate your own stress response so you can engage thoughtfully and constructively
  • Learn how to listen deeply to de-escalate the stress response of the other person
  • Learn how to identify and acknowledge the underlying needs and interests of the other person so that you can find the best possible path forward
  • The skills of assertive communication
  • How to raise an issue without triggering defensiveness in the other person
  • Techniques to repair relationships when the stakes are high
  • Knowing when to walk away.

Choose what works for you

The Courageous Conversations training can be delivered onsite (the facilitator will come to you) or online (useful if you have employees spread across multiple locations).

One Hour -Typically introduces the key concepts and provides an overview of the LEARN to listen model of deep listening. It is a popular option for a 'lunch and learn' session or evening webinar.

Half Day -Typically covers all content areas, includes a demonstration of skills and provides space for half an hour of skills practice or small group discussion.

Full Day -After covering all content, the focus is on building confidence in the execution of skills - taking your team on a journey through the stages of the adult learning cycle; from unconscious incompetence, through conscious incompetence to conscious competence through participation in lots of role-play practice.

Further coached role-play sessions (ratio of 1:1, 1:2 or 1:3) can be arranged for staff members who need to take their skills to the stage where they can competently handle any situation without having to think consciously about what they're doing.

Ready to help your employees have difficult conversations?

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