Case Story: Enhancing Communication Skills for Managers at a Leading BC University

I was invited to support a group of managers at one of BC's leading universities, with their capacity development. Their junior members were responsible for liaising with various departments, at a number of levels, and, it was not uncommon - depending on their expertise – to engage with the entire institution. They were required to respond at any given moment, to an array of demanding issues that required them to be alert under considerable pressure.

I created a one-day coaching workshop to equip each manager with the communication skills necessary to guide their staff, ensuring every interaction was both professional and effective, with special attention paid to the high-pressured situations they encounter.

Our Solution: One-Day Communication Skills Coaching Session

The coaching session was tailored to reflect the unique real-life challenges encountered in the post-secondary educational environment,. Through role-playing exercises, participants simulated interactions with potential stakeholders, such as faculty members and staff, who might be stressed due to operational disruptions. This hands-on approach emphasized:

• Striking a balance between understanding stakeholder needs and avoiding defensive reactions.

• The skill of acknowledging concerns during a conversation, regardless of the stakeholder's demeanor.

• Recognizing the significance of self-awareness in communication, especially in tone and approach.

• Strategies to bridge gaps, overcome resistance, and cultivate mutual understanding.

The Transformative Impact

Post-training, managers reported a marked improvement in employee interactions. They not only communicated more effectively but also built stronger, more collaborative relationships across the institution. Their enhanced self-awareness and refined communication techniques led to more patient and understanding interactions, even when presented with challenging situations.

Workshop Snapshot

• Issues Addressed: Training managers to coach their employees for effective organization-wide interactions, managing high-stress environments, and enhancing communication skills.

• Our Solution: A comprehensive one-day coaching session facilitating immersive role-playing exercises, real-world communication strategies, and focused coaching techniques.

• Outcome: A team better equipped to coach colleagues, enhanced self-awareness and a notable improvement in the quality of communication.

Elevate Your Organization with Conversation Aperture

Thank you for reading. Our tailored workshops and coaching sessions are designed to address the unique challenges faced by today's organizations, fostering a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding. Whether it's navigating difficult conversations, enhancing workplace wellbeing, or building resilience amidst change, our comprehensive solutions are here to support your team's growth. Reach out to discover how we can elevate your organization's communication dynamics.