In today’s dynamic professional landscape, achieving desired outcomes often hinges on effective communication. Missed conversations or poorly handled discussions can impede progress and hinder success, both individually and organizationally. At the University of Virginia’s Learning and Development (Uva Learning And Development) programs, we understand that the ability to communicate quickly, directly, and effectively when it matters most is paramount. That’s why we are proud to offer resources like the Crucial Conversations program, designed to empower individuals with the skills needed to navigate challenging dialogues and foster high-performance environments.
What Constitutes a Crucial Conversation?
A crucial conversation is characterized by high stakes, differing opinions, and strong emotions among participants. These discussions can be particularly challenging, often leading individuals to adopt ineffective communication styles. Some may become overly direct and even abrasive in an attempt to achieve their desired results, potentially damaging relationships in the process. Conversely, others might choose silence, hoping to preserve relationships but ultimately sacrificing desired outcomes. Neither of these approaches is ideal for fostering a productive and healthy environment within UVA Learning and Development or any professional setting.
However, UVA Learning and Development advocates for a more effective approach. The Crucial Conversations methodology provides individuals with the necessary skills to engage in disagreements constructively. Instead of avoiding or escalating conflict, participants learn to transform disagreement into dialogue, leading to stronger relationships and improved results. Our approach to learning and development at UVA incorporates engaging and flexible formats to suit the needs of modern professionals. Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue, for instance, blends the convenience of virtual learning with the impactful benefits of live instruction. This virtual instructor-led course ensures an engaging and well-paced learning experience, carefully designed to meet the unique demands of today’s learners within UVA Learning and Development initiatives.
Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue utilizes a variety of interactive learning methods to maximize skill development and application. These methods include insightful videos, interactive polls, practical group exercises, both large and small group discussions, and opportunities for personal reflection. This comprehensive approach ensures that participants can effectively transfer their newly acquired skills to real-world scenarios within their professional lives and contribute to the overall goals of UVA Learning and Development.
Program Materials:
Participants in the Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue program through UVA Learning and Development will receive a comprehensive suite of materials designed to support their learning journey:
- Digital learner guide: A comprehensive resource to guide participants through the program content.
- Cue cards and model card: Practical tools to aid in-the-moment application of learned skills.
- Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High ebook: A valuable digital resource for continued learning and reference.
- Digital course completion certificate: Formal recognition of program completion.
- Six-week ongoing learning experience: Extended support to reinforce learning and facilitate long-term skill integration.
The program outline detailed below is adaptable for both virtual and in-person delivery, ensuring flexibility within UVA Learning and Development offerings.
Session 1: Get Unstuck & Master My Stories I – 2.5 hours
Learning Objectives:
- Identify conversations that are hindering your progress and desired outcomes within your professional context.
- Strategically select the most impactful conversation to address and move forward.
- Understand the origins of emotions in crucial conversations and learn techniques to manage them effectively.
- Take ownership of your emotional responses in conversations by understanding and managing your personal narratives. This is a key aspect of personal development emphasized by UVA Learning and Development.
Session 2: Master My Stories II & Start with Heart – 2.5 hours
Learning Objectives:
- Eliminate counterproductive negative stories that can derail conversations and hinder desired results.
- Maintain a clear focus on your genuine objectives throughout crucial conversations.
- Establish a foundation of positive intent to foster a more collaborative and productive dialogue environment, aligning with the values of UVA Learning and Development.
Session 3: State My Path & Make It Safe – 2.5 hours
Learning Objectives:
- Communicate with honesty and respect, even when addressing sensitive or challenging topics.
- Effectively deliver difficult messages in a manner that encourages open dialogue and collaboration.
- Implement strategies to rebuild psychological safety when defensiveness arises in others, a crucial skill in professional environments supported by UVA Learning and Development.
- Develop the confidence to engage in crucial conversations with a wide range of individuals across various situations.
Session 4: Learn to Look & Seek Mutual Purpose – 2.5 hours
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize the subtle indicators that signal when a conversation is shifting away from productive dialogue.
- Identify and effectively manage your personal “Style Under Stress” to maintain composure and clarity in crucial moments.
- Discern when safety is compromised due to differing objectives or perspectives.
- Discover and establish common ground, even in seemingly irreconcilable situations, to facilitate collaborative problem-solving, a key focus of UVA Learning and Development programs.
Session 5: Explore Other’s Paths & Move to Action – 2.5 hours
Learning Objectives:
- Employ active listening techniques to fully understand the underlying meaning behind others’ emotions and actions.
- Respond constructively and productively when someone initiates a crucial conversation with you.
- Transition from healthy dialogue to concrete action plans and achieve tangible results, aligning with the practical application focus of UVA Learning and Development.
Questions:
For any inquiries regarding the Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue program offered through UVA Learning and Development, please reach out to our facilitator, Kate Freeman.
