Having a Word
Navigate the 3 'Minefield' Conversation Types in One Piece
Equips leaders and teams to confidently navigate the three most common types of challenging conversations — checking-in, negotiable and non-negotiable — without conflict, blame or miscommunication.
How do we consistently deliver the most effective conversations, which resolve painful situations and/or create much-needed clarity?
If the term 'difficult conversations' carries negative connotations for you, then we could use the words, 'courageous conversations' or 'challenging conversations', but whatever the wording, they're not easy, nobody likes having them, and it's easy to make a complete mess of them.
The hard truth is that we live in a complex, fast-paced society where challenging conversations are an unavoidable part of daily life and necessary for building better organisations, for developing meaningful relationships, and safeguarding our wellbeing. The question therefore is NOT:
HOW DO WE AVOID CHALLENGING CONVERSATIONS?
But instead …
The agenda, point by point
Everything your audience will move through — so you can judge the fit before you book.
- 1
The three most common types of challenging conversations (checking-in, negotiable and non-negotiable) how they're different, why their differences demand a different response and how to prepare for either conversation.
- 2
The most common biases which undermine effective conversations, from halo effect, affinity bias, hindsight bias and recency bias, to planning fallacy.
- 3
Boundaries: why they're at the heart of effective conversations, the 3 types of boundaries to look out for and how to master your boundaries to create better outcomes.
- 4
Language: how to avoid the most obstructive language habits, so that your delivery of a challenging conversation is free of subconscious, inflammatory language.
- 5
How to effectively set up a challenging conversation, whilst avoiding the fateful phrase: "can I have a word please?"
- 6
How to manage your state and take the heat out of a conversation, when things are getting tense and you're struggling to think clearly.
- 7
The difference between focussed and unfocussed listening and the powerful steps to take, in order to ensure your listening is focussed.
Concrete outcomes, not vague good feelings
Leaders, managers and teams who need to hold honest, high-stakes conversations at work
Mental Health & Resilience Keynote Speaker
Andrew speaks from lived experience — warm, honest and human, with the experience to back it up.
- TEDx speaker
- Host of the Men on Show podcast (60 episodes)
- Author of the forthcoming book Honestly, Man
- Member, International Coaching Federation
“His online delivery was flawless, with delegates instantly engaged, even when webinars weren't usually their preferred learning style. If you are looking for a keynote speaker who will get your people having quality conversations about topics they might not ordinarily discuss, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Andrew.”
Claire Goodwin
Learning & Development Advisor, BUUK Infrastructure
Ready to talk it through?
Tell us about your event and audience — we'll come back with availability and how Having a Word could land for your people.
See all talks