Handling Difficult Conversations
The Client Need
"Mid-level associates are managing people and have more client contact. Along with these responsibilities come higher stakes conversations. We need to help them convert difficult conversations into productive and positive ones, so they can build trust and respect with colleagues and clients, resolve conflicts, and improve their team’s performance."
- Global Law Firm
The Design
This 1-hour vILT workshop for mid-level associates at a global law firm provides practical strategies for handling difficult conversations in a variety of contexts. Participants examine types of difficult conversations they encounter at work and learn to navigate them using a 4-step process.
Audience: 4th-year mid-level associates
Skills in Focus: Preparing for difficult conversations; tailoring approaches based on context; effectively communicating; self-reflecting for learning and growth
Features: vILT; SME serves as co-facilitator to share insights, experiences / stories, and practical tips; breakout activity; effective communication tip sheet
The Details
Participants engage in highly interactive discussions in which their insights are captured and synthesized for group learning.
Participants apply effective communication strategies in simulations of difficult conversations. They take turns role-playing—initiating a difficult conversation and being on the receiving end of someone else initiating a difficult conversation.
Participants examine multiple scenarios to practice exploring how varying contexts require them to modify their approach.
Participant learning is encouraged by an exchange of feedback from team members during the simulation and by guidance on self-reflection.
The Awards
AWARD-WINNING PROGRAM: Brandon Hall Excellence Awards recognize the best organizations that have successfully deployed programs, strategies, modalities, processes, systems, and tools that have achieved measurable results.
