I. Introduction
A. What make a difficult discussion difficult?
B. Why we become emotionally hijacked
C. Communication truisms
The course begins by laying a strong foundation for why so many people struggle with having difficult discussions. A blend of psychology and brain theory sets the stage to understand why various blockers so often hinder our ability to have healthy conversation.
II. The Six-Step Process
A. From prologue to epilogue
B. Characters of your story
C. Skills to modifying your story
This section provides a six-step process that leads to healthy discussions. Participants identify how they contribute to the challenges often found in the communication process. They also learn self-talk techniques to remain focused and logical during a difficult discussion.
III. Invite the Discussion
A. Set the stage
B. Importance of body language
How one invites a person to have a difficult discussion is critical. In this section, participants learn how to create a safe environment that is critical to setting the stage so that a difficult discussion can take place.
IV. Tell Your Story
A. Elements of a healthy story
B. The Colombo Technique
In this section, participants recognize several aspects that make for a healthy discussion. They also learn a technique that minimizes defensive behavior.
V. Invite Others to Tell Their Story
A. Becoming a detached listener
B. Recognizing non verbal messages
When inviting others to tell their story, it is imperative to become a detached but empathic listener. This section shows participants how to remain focused while simultaneously decreasing the likelihood of becoming defensive.
VI. Now, Bridge the Stories
A. Finding similarities
B. The “Nutshell” technique
In this section, participants learn how to merge what is often two very different stories in a masterful way that paves the path to a positive outcome.
VII. The End of the Story
A. Three typical outcomes
B. Negotiating a solution
Participants identify three common outcomes of a difficult discussion and learn skills to negotiate a solution.
VIII. The “What-If’s?”
A. The “Don’t-Do” technique
B. Other skills
In this section, participants learn specific skills that will provide them with real-world skills to deal with the inevitable “what-ifs” that occur during a difficult discussion.
IX. Practice, Practice, Practice
This is the time where theory, knowledge and skill come together. Participants are coached in using the Six-step process as well as all other skills learned throughout the course in a “real-life” difficult discussion. From role-plays to one-on-one practice with the instructor, participants are challenged to apply what they learned, receive feedback and complete the course having demonstrated competence when having a difficult discussion.
X. Conclusion and Celebration