Training Institutes 2012 - National Technical Assistance Center for ...

Collaboration Lab: Engaging in Challenging Conversations
8:30 AM TUESDAY • 8:30 AM WEDNESDAY • OSCEOLA 5
OBJECTIVES—Participants will learn:
1. To identify the elements of difficult conversations and how they impact their personal and professional relationships
2. To recognize their role and responsibility in managing conflict situations
3. To understand conversational styles and how to operate in stressful situations
4. A framework for approaching difficult conversations
5. To practice skills needed for holding difficult conversations such as self-management, active listening, and asking
intentional questions and effective disengagement
This Pre-Institutes Training Program will introduce participants to concepts, processes, and skills that are essential for
engaging in challenging conversations that require shared learning and action around complex issues. Children and
families are best served when those working to serve them are able to engage in the challenging conversations inherent
in this complex work. Faculty will draw content from a range of current literature on topics including conflict
engagement, teaming, collaboration, and dialogue.
Specific topics to be covered include:
• Characteristics of challenging conversations
• Models for unpacking and analyzing the conversation
• A process that includes preparing for, initiating, engaging, and bringing to closure conversations of shared learning
and decision making
• Communication skills and strategies for sustaining curiosity
• Intentional inquiry
Throughout the program, small group analysis of participants’ most challenging conversations will be used to prepare
challenging conversations and to practice a range of communication skills. The faculty team brings a range of
professional experience including conflict engagement, change and transition, teaming, and collaboration.
MODERATOR/PRESENTER: Elizabeth Waetzig, J.D., Partner, Change Matrix, LLC, Granger, IN
Greg Abell, Principal, Sound Options Group, LLC, Bainbridge Island, WA
Training Institutes 2012
PRE-INSTITUTES TRAINING PROGRAM
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