Crucial Conversations® Skill Development

It’s nearly a cliché to say that effective business communication underlies success in the marketplace. But honest, open dialogue at work is too rare an occurrence. People make nice, or just remain silent, until the stress of the situation leads to finger-pointing, blaming, apathy. Frustration and dissatisfaction run strong and problems do not get solved.

Crucial Conversations is the way out of the mess. If people in your organization are experiencing moments like these, you’re not alone:

• Conversations turn into debates, with one person who insists on “winning.” Everyone else is drowned out.
• People are afraid to speak up in front of the boss.
• People who report to you insist that everything is fine, but you can see the work is not getting done.
• If you really want to know what’s going on, you have to hang out at the water cooler.
• People feel safe to complain only after the meeting is over.

There’s a better way. Contact us.

When best practices become common practices

Crucial Conversations skills were developed through rigorous study of the most productive and influential individuals and teams. These best practices, taken together, create a culture where synergy and performance flow easily. People are better able to manage essential functions of a successful enterprise:

People performance – it’s always possible to discuss how people are doing

Productivity – decisions get made in a way that encourages positive action

Teamwork – joint decisions are routine, teammates trust each other

Change Management – people can tackle even the toughest challenges when they have tools for agreement

Quality – processes and methods are developed in a collaborative way that has everyone contributing to their use

Creativity – brainstorming is allowed to flow freely, great ideas surface without fear

Diversity – becomes a strength, not a challenge

Meetings – easy to keep on track, easy to put back on track, a venue to actually accomplish something

How Crucial Conversations works

Crucial Conversations training includes two full days of seminar time, with original video clips and examples of real-life dialogue. Principles are fleshed out with robust descriptions. Extensive in-class practice, group participation, and time for personal reflection is built into the course design so that skills are integrated and mastered.

Request a Crucial Conversations brochure.

There’s more to explore about Workforce Development. Read about our Claim Leadership™ and Vital Teamwork™ Series.

Vitalwork, Inc. enjoys a decade-plus partnership with VitalSmarts, L.C., creators of Crucial Conversations®. Their material is closely aligned with Vitalwork philosophy, and combined with our delivery approach, provides a unique and effective experience for our clients. Crucial Conversations is a registered trademark of VitalSmarts, L.C.