Conversational Capacity ®
Remain constructive, Candid and Curious when challenges or conflicts arise
Honest and open conversations foster teamwork, progress, trust, and just about everything else positive in the workplace. But poor communication derails important initiatives, wrecking morale and torpedoing projects.*
Conversational Capacity teaches people how to engage in constructive, learning-focused dialogue when challenging topics or conflicts arise so they can make informed decisions and find the best solutions, even under high pressure. That’s where difficult exchanges turn into learning opportunities and unfocused meetings become innovation incubators.
Conversational Capacity is the ability of an individual or a team to engage in open, balanced, nondefensive dialogue about difficult subjects and in challenging circumstances. It is also the sweet spot where innovation happens.
Conversational Capacity teaches learners the following:
- Awareness: Learners recognise when fight-or-flight reactions prevent real listening and create discomfort in others. This allows for a more intentional response to challenging conversations.
- Mindset: Exploring diverse perspectives and listening to contrasting views are emphasised, because that is where greatest opportunities for insights and growth are.
- Skillset: Four behaviours are essential to Conversational Capacity: two that build genuine candour and two that build curiosity. Balancing candour and curiosity creates the conversational sweet spot.
Delivery Options to Meet Your Needs
We can deliver Conversational Capacity in-person, as virtual sessions, as part of a learning journey, or delivered in a self-directed online or moderated online version, so your managers can learn the methodology wherever they are and whenever they have time.
1 Day Instructor-led Course
The in-person course is one full day. With hundreds of facilitators worldwide, we can deliver sessions for your organization or equip you to run them yourself. Public courses are also available.
Prework: LAUNCH — Welcome the participants and set the context for individuals and teams to reach new levels of performance through various activities to engage in open, balanced, and nondefensive conversations.
Session 1: LEARN — Defines awareness as the ability to recognize the two powerful emotional reactions and how they are essential for staying in the sweet spot.
Session 2: PRACTICE — Defines the Conversational Capacity Skillset, which includes specific behaviors people can use to balance candor and curiosity.
Session 3: APPLY — Introduces the Curiosity Skills, which highlights the advantage of having the humility to seek out information that might be missing and to understand others’ points of view.
Virtual Instructor-led Course
The Conversational Capacity virtual course includes prework assignments completed before the first course, with three two-hour live virtual sessions spread out over time. The virtual sessions offer learners an engaging experience that includes instruction, group activities, and opportunities to practice new skills.
- In the virtual sessions, participants develop new skills by completing activities based on personal work challenges
- Participants receive a set of online tools to aid in mastering the content and using it with others
Collaborative Online Course
Conversational Capacity can be delivered online in a collaborative, moderated class over five weeks, with assignments and cohort meetings once a week during one-hour live virtual inspire session. It is self-directed learning blended with discussions, exercises, reflection, and offline assignments. Participants gain skills for keeping conversations open, balanced, and productive, ways to maintain a learning-focused mindset, methods for overcoming obstacles to Conversational Capacity.
Online Overview
This 35-minute online overview teaches the core concepts of Conversational Capacity through micro-learning activities. Ideal for learners who need an overview of the content or a refresher, this course design can be used along with virtual and in-person sessions, or as part of a learning journey, to create more flexible learning experiences.
Digital Assets
Set of nine micro-activities ranging from one to five minutes that learners can use during moments of need. The playlist includes videos, activities, and worksheets on topics such as influencing up, tackling touchy topics, why arguing backfires, and leaning into difference.
Communication can be a business driver or a derailer
80% the U.S. workforce reports feeling stressed because of ineffective company communication. 63% have wanted to quit because ineffective communication interfered with their ability to do their job.1
Companies with better relationships and communication experience 20% higher productivity, 21% higher profitability, and 41% lower absenteeism. 2
1. Dynamic Signal, 2019 Dynamic Signal Study. (Opens in a new window)
2. Wellness Council of America,The ROI on Better Workplace Conversations.
Being a Great Communicator and Listener Unlocks Your Workplace's Potential
Conversational Capacity is the bedrock for a positive and productive workplace. It redirects all the energy wasted in unproductive exchanges into channels that benefit people and the enterprise.
ENGAGES EMPLOYEES
When people have honest and meaningful conversations, morale rises and the workplace buzzes with enthusiasm.
SPURS INNOVATION
People share ideas, Colleagues contribute. The original idea evolves into a great one.
IMPROVES PRODUCTIVITY
The gap between what people say and others hear closes. Miscommunication and misunderstandings evaporate, and work gets done.
Ready to Get Started?
Contact us today to learn how we can help your leaders learn the skills they need to be more effective communicators.
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Download the Conversational Capacity overview
Learn how Conversational Capacity empowers your people to engage in open dialogue about difficult subjects