Making Conversations Work

Focus of This Program

The work of the leader, colleague, coach, and consultant is accomplished in conversation. This program will enhance your skill in making conversations work in challenging situations. It combines a strong conceptual framework with experiential learning, skill practice, and application to a situation of your choosing.

By the end of the program you will have developed new skills that will enable you to better understand the perspectives and views of others. You will also be able to share your views more effectively. You will have learned the key concepts that underpin this approach and have had an opportunity to practice them.

Who Should Attend

This program is for those whose professional effectiveness requires working with people who may have different views, interests, or concerns.

What You Will Do

You will learn a set of key concepts and skills for productive conversations and apply them to a variety of case situations. For most of the three days you will be in a small group (no more than nine participants) with a senior faculty member. Each participant will bring a brief dialogue case that describes a challenging conversation they have had. You will apply the concepts to each of these cases and practice how to use them in that situation. You will role play how to do it, sometimes with video feedback. You will identify particular skills that are most useful for you and plan how you will continue to develop them after the program.

What You Will Gain

• A conceptual framework for designing effective conversations
• Insights into what is going on in a particular situation you find challenging
• Knowledge of what to do and how to do it to make conversations more effective
• Increased ability to help others

Origin of the Program

This program is based on two decades of research and practice by Action Design partners in collaboration with senior leaders in the field including Chris Argyris, Donald Schon, and David Kantor. Variations on the basic approach have been offered as public workshops, inside leading companies, and as a key component of University-based Executive Education programs.

Tuition

Tuition is $2,950 per participant (nonprofit and government organizations, $1,950). There is a $250 discount (off the regular tuition only) for the second and additional members from the same organization.  The fee includes

• Pre-program readings
• Binder of participant materials
• Lunch each day
• Morning and afternoon refreshments

Accommodations  BREE LINKS!

The program will be held at Babson Executive Conference Center in Wellesley, Massachusetts near Boston (directions).  The cost of lodging for the three days, including breakfast and dinner, is $753 and is due upon registering for the program. Located on the wooded campus of Babson College, the Executive Conference Center is known for its quiet setting, excellent conference and recreational facilities, and great food.