High Impact Leadership

Navigate Difficult Conversations

Are some conversations simply too difficult to manage – or do you wish you had handled a particular discussion differently?  As we navigate meetings, interactions both professional and personal, as well as situations where consensus or strategic decisions need to be collectively agreed upon, making certain our message is received as intended can be a significant challenge.  Moving from face-to-face conversations to virtual environments adds an additional layer of complexity that is often unfamiliar and can be riddled with potential pitfalls.

Explore different approaches to communication and uncover personal triggers within difficult conversations.  You will learn about the importance of flexibility in approach, and why being curious can help move a conversation from disagreement to mutual understanding.  The course is intended to provide learners with new skills, knowledge and tools to support effective communication. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the elements of productive conversations and best practices for sharing perspectives
• Assess your communication style and how to improve
• Plan your approach ahead of time
• Provide feedback from a neutral place and receive feedback gracefully
• Effectively communicate even when emotions and conflict are involved
• Manage competition and the pull to win within conversations
• Navigate emotions, personality differences, and challenging behaviours
• Define desired outcomes for your conversations then achieve them

Skills/Competencies:

• Communicating During Conflict
• Influence Through Conversation
• Productive Feedback
• Navigating Emotions and Differences

Manage Power Dynamics

With the responsibility of leadership, comes the reality of navigating complex relationships and organizational dynamics.  An underlying current in both is power.  Not often talked about, power and ego play a crucial role in organizational relationships and group dynamics.

Gain an understanding of how to develop your own presence, as well as wisdom, to discern between internal and external power.  You will develop strategies to navigate difficult behaviours and cultivate positive behaviours leading to successful outcomes.  

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand personal power: sources of power, the shift from external validation to internal security, and the role of ego and the false self
• Understand power dynamics in relationships: finding balance, focus on the real self, and the role of ego
• Understand power in organizations: assessing team dynamics, culture and group behaviours, and strategies for influence

Skills/Competencies:

• Awareness of Ego (Self and Others)
• Power Dynamics Navigation
• Empowered Speaking
• Influence Team Dynamics

Assertive Leadership 

Leaders require a wide range of skills and abilities to lead diverse employees and teams through complex, challenging, and evolving organizational circumstances. Assertive leadership empowers leaders to express their honest opinions, experiences, and feelings in teamwork, decision-making, communications, change management and more.

Develop the necessary skills to lead in a direct, authentic, and non-confrontational manner, as well as successfully encourage others to do the same to ensure optimal teamwork and inclusiveness. 

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the importance of assertive, direct, and honest communication with teams and within organizations
• Learn skills to facilitate authentic and direct communication in a non-confrontational manner
• Support others in engaging in positive communication skills to ensure understanding of perspectives and experiences
• Develop strategies to relate competing perspectives and interests to ensure productive decisions and relationships
• Value diversity of perspectives, experiences, and interests to supportive inclusivity in organizations

Skills/Competencies:

• Communicate with Confidence
• Lead with Authenticity
• Strategic Decision-making
• Value Diverse Perspectives

Funding Opportunities

Our non-credit programs may qualify for Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant Funding. Please note that this is an employer-driven program. The employer must apply on behalf of their employees.

Badges, Professional Microcredentials and Professional Certificates qualify for the Canada Training Credit, Re-Skill Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) and the URAA Alumni Professional Development Award.