Over the past 12 months, many of our clients acknowledged the power of an honest and brave conversation and engaged WorkPlacePLUS to facilitate a proactive training program on empowering not only managers, but all employees in an organisation to speak their truth in the workplace and further develop their communication strategies.
The response from participants was remarkable, with teams feeling motivated and supported to acknowledge areas for improvement and development and recognising that communicating honestly could lead to more trusting and productive work relationships.
Other clients, through resolving workplace disputes and grievances, recognised the need for more courageous conversations and implemented individual coaching for managers.
Others, through the development of new performance management systems, also embraced the idea of courageous conversations by embedding ongoing, honest and meaningful discussion between managers, colleagues and teams in everyday operations, not just in a performance appraisal. This fresh approach to performance management empowers you to address issues as they occur, supporting and encouraging teams to excel each day, rather than burying your head in the sand until your calendar reminds you to book in that notorious performance appraisal!
What is a courageous conversation?
WorkPlacePLUS team member Carmen Hurwitz spoke with Richard Aedy on ABC Radio National's This Working Life about why you should train your staff to have courageous conversations at work. Read more... >
Courageous conversations are those which you initiate to discuss the issues that you would rather avoid – the ‘undiscussable’. They will often take the most courage and require you to speak candidly and listen openly, and are often the ones that make the biggest impact. They have the capacity to create a pathway to building the relationships, influence and outcomes you want in every area of your life.
As workplace investigators, our team of consultants have witnessed many grievances and issues between employees that could have been avoided if the parties were honest about the behaviour or issues that were occurring, as the issues were ultimately due to miscommunication.
A courageous conversation will often result in individuals feeling more confident to communicate openly, and gaining insights into workplace relationships and their own behaviour.
Don’t wait for an issue to escalate. Invite employees within your organisation to participate in open and honest discussions, and be prepared to not only share, but to listen.
These conversations may initially be hard, but practice makes progress and this will support you in developing and maintaining a high performing and committed workforce.
► Discover our Facilitated Group Discussions and Mediation Services >
For more information please contact us today.