MORNING
CORE STRAIGHT TALK SKILLS
The Straight Talk Vision
An engaging view of the learning outcomes, and a business rationale for the direct, fair, accountability-based communication called Straight Talk.
The Straight Talk Mindset
Participant pairs discuss where they fall along the Straight Talk Continuum of Passive, Aggressive, or Assertive, explore mental blocks to more constructive communication, and accept personal accountability for increased Straight Talk.
Assertive, Passive or Aggressive?
With negative and positive “Lightning Round” drills, the group learns precise visual, vocal, and verbal behaviors for three classic communication modes.
Assertive Speaking (A.B.C.‘s)
Many energizing activities and drills teach foundational skills of assertive delivery and appropriate honesty versus brutal or non-tactful expression, bias free language versus loaded wording (including curbing “flaming
emails”) and checking reactions versus monologuing.
Active Listening (F.E.E.)
Learning focusing, exploring and empathizing skills in intensive drills, including our signature “Fishbowl” format, where the trainer works one on one with participants for direct feedback.
Preparation for “Pulling It Together”
Participants learn two kinds of commitments to achieve, target agreements they can forge back at work, get feedback on the Gaining Commitment Conversation Format they have prepared, and see a “live” demonstration of Gaining Commitment. This previews the afternoon practice when they will integrate the skills.
AFTERNOON
STRAIGHT TALK APPLICATIONS
Cumulative Trio Practice
In trios, participants practice and receive critique on how well they integrate their newly honed assertive speaking and active listening skills with the step-by-step “G.A.I.N.” Conversation Format for Gaining Commitment on tasks, requests, behavior changes, new policies, or roles.
Rough Sailing Conversation Formats
We learn two challenging preparation Formats: Reminding about faltering commitments, milestones, deadlines, or standards, and confronting problem behaviors. Participants prepare for tougher, emotion-laden conversations.
Understanding Emotional Reactions
Through experiential exercises, the group learns the psychological truth about volatile emotional reactions, and how to maintain proper perspective.
Defusing Defenses & Resistance
Through dynamic presentations and dramatic “live” demonstrations with group volunteers, the group learns to de-escalate strong reactions. The group drills intensively with trainers in a second “Fishbowl,” with personalized feedback.
Cumulative Trio Practice
In pairs, participants integrate learning with a drill using speaking, listening, a Rough Sailing Conversation Format, and the defusing defensiveness steps.
Building a Straight Talk Culture
Leaders are stewards for a positive work environment, so participants learn to build a culture of open, direct, respectful communication. They get on-the-job reinforcement aids to reinforce, sustain, assess, coach, and teach their skills.
Lack of interpersonal savvy leads to losses…
TO ORGANIZATIONS:
Lack of personal accountability
Performance gaps
Less innovation and fewer new ideas
Eroded work relationships due to cop-outs or bullying others
Reduced feedback and conflict resolution
Work climates of resentment versus commitment
TO INDIVIDUALS:
Failure to speak up, voice ideas, or get your needs met
Decreased energy and physical health
Lower morale and job engagement
Lower confidence and self respect
Straight Talk is also available as a Two-Day Workshop with more drills and applications.