Are you dealing with:
​
-
Discussions that turn into heated arguments without productive outcomes,
-
The same performance issues that return again and again,
-
Stress and burnout,
-
Conflict avoidance and people-pleasing became second nature for many,
-
An uphill battle with finding new ways to boost performance and effectiveness?
Addressing problems and navigating conflict are vital to creating an organization where people can thrive.
​
By avoiding difficult discussions or using approaches that create persistent and escalating problems, we negatively impact motivation, engagement, and teamwork and create an environment where neither people nor performance can thrive.
Full program description:
MODULE 1 – DEVELOPING MINDSET
Conversations about performance and interpersonal problems tend to feel and become difficult because they trigger the stress response, resulting in aggressive and passive behaviours that become barriers to success. In this module, we’ll explore safe spaces, reduce stress by reframing our thinking, use emotional intelligence, and choose behaviours that support us in getting the results we’re looking for.
​
MODULE 2 – DEVELOPING SKILLSET
This module will briefly discuss how systems thinking can help us have better conversations and solve problems more effectively. We’ll build upon the concept of creating safe spaces, reviewing the importance of relationships and how to strengthen them to increase success. Finally, we’ll discuss what is involved in effective communication and offer some ideas on how to plan communication.
​
MODULE 3 – TAKING ACTION
To effectively address problems, we must first clearly articulate what we expect to happen or not happen. This can be challenging, which is one reason we have performance and interpersonal issues in the first place.
This module discusses the importance of identifying and discerning expectations, facts, and interpretations. We present ideas for timing and location, reinforce the importance of the safe space, and offer an approach to setting your discussion up for success. We also offer some ideas for providing and receiving feedback.
​
MODULE 4 – NAVIGATING “PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOURS”
When attempting to address a problem and navigate conflict, you will likely encounter “protective behaviours.” There may be aggressive behaviours like getting defensive, yelling, blaming, and lying or passive behaviours like owning other people’s feelings or giving in to conflict. Effectively addressing a problem and navigating conflict requires knowing how to handle protective behaviours, including your own. You want to minimize the aggressive and passive behaviours that often appear in conflict so you can focus on working together to solve the problem.
This module offers some more specific ways to apply the ideas presented in previous modules to increase your chances of having productive conversations, reap the benefits of discussion and debate, and minimize the amount of protective behaviour.
​
* The program is available virtually or in person and includes eight group-facilitated hours and printed learning materials.
What program participants are saying:
I completed the "Delving into Difficult Discussion" course facilitated by Jenny Barkan, and I couldn't be more impressed. The content was incredibly timely, offering fresh ideas and practical approaches that felt immediately applicable. Jenny's facilitation style fostered a high level of engagement and interaction among participants, making the learning experience both dynamic and insightful. Her expertise and approachable demeanour created a safe space for open dialogue and meaningful exchanges. I highly recommend Jenny as a facilitator; her ability to guide complex discussions with clarity and empathy is truly exceptional.
Zdravko (Z) Gunjevic
Sr. Learning & Development Program Manager
TextNow
I had the pleasure of participating in Jenny's Delving into Difficult Discussions online class over the past few months. The sessions were very insightful and inspired great group discussions with the class. The material was delivered with passion and enthusiasm. This is an excellent course for those who are new in their leadership roles.
Jennifer Smith
Human resources Director
Keilhauer
"Recently, I participated in the “Delving into Difficult Discussions” program that was facilitated by Jenny Barkan. I have to say that it was a great experience. First of all, the reading materials are comprehensive yet very clear and straight to the point. And secondly, Jenny was able to create a safe environment, where all the participants were willing to share their thoughts, wins and fails and real-life examples. The conversations flowed almost effortlessly but with a lot of purpose and learning points.
As an HR professional, I highly recommend this program to anyone, especially to people in leadership positions."
Anna Boshoer, CHRL