Influence and Impact Through Constructive Conversations

Research shows that diverse groups perform better than homogenous ones. Yet by its very nature diversity is often a trigger for conflict and stress. So how do you create an environment where it is “safe” for everyone to speak up?

We explore the mindsets, habits and behaviours of constructive conversations - the ability to have productive dialogue about difficult subjects or challenging circumstances. Speaking up is often seen as a risky business, yet failure to do so has resulted in incidents like the Challenger disaster, thousands of avoidable medical deaths, and major aviation incidents. So how do you manage the power dynamics in an organisation to enable people to speak up without triggering defensiveness in others?

It’s about articulating your thinking with confidence while simultaneously being open to having your thoughts and opinions challenged. It’s about empathy and humility to truly ‘get’ the perspective of others. It’s about being frank and forthright as well as being diplomatic. It’s about questioning in a way that opens up debate rather than shutting it down. Only then will you have quality information to make the best decisions.

Participants identify their natural tendencies and strengths, and explore new behaviours to increase their conversational capacity. We examine the triggers that produce the fight or flight responses that so often derail conversations.

Participants will become more mindful, humble and courageous in addressing difficult yet important conversation.

Key benefits of attending this session:

• Create an environment where it is safe to speak up and disagree
• Understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy conflict
• Become comfortable being uncomfortable
• Explore various communication paradoxes for example being frank AND diplomatic; being confident AND open to different perspectives.
• Use tools such as SCARF to plan and manage “difficult conversation”

Speaker Bio

You’re good with your hands…but your brother is the intelligent one.

This is what I was told as a child. Having failed my 11+ exam, and being consigned to being ‘average’, I am living proof that anyone can be who they want to be and achieve a destiny beyond their dreams… and the low expectations of others.

Drawing on ground-breaking neuroscience research and brain-based coaching methods, I transform the behaviours of teams and individuals to deliver growth, engagement and profitability within world-class companies.

With a Masters in Business Analysis & Systems Design and as a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, I combine business acumen with an intimate knowledge of corporate culture. I am an accredited brain and behaviour specialist, with over 25 years experience, offering a series of world-renowned programmes to multi-national organisations, including HSBC, Louis Vuitton, Emirates, Siemens and Unilever.

Based on personal experience and sharing real-world examples, I have a passion for explaining – and overcoming – the limiting beliefs, fixed mindsets and biases that thwart the potential of so many.