July 19, 2012 | SharkAdmin “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. ” George Bernard Shaw Have you ever found yourself wanting to have a conversation with someone but not doing it because you feared it would not go well – or you just did not know how to approach the other person? Have you ever spoken out in anger and then regretted doing so? Do you find yourself remaining silent about things that are important to you? I don't know about you but I have found myself in each of these situations – recently. Last week about a dozen NVC employees joined colleagues from across the District in a two-day training entitled, “Crucial Conversations.” The program is designed to build our skills as individuals and to create organizational alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics—at all levels of the organization – not to mention, in our personal lives. Crucial Conversations teaches participants how to: • Speak persuasively, not abrasively • Foster teamwork and better decision making • Build acceptance rather than resistance • Resolve individual and group disagreements. This training aligns with our NVC Conflict Resolution and Management focus and action plan by helping each individual to learn how to have crucial conversations in a way that helps to seek understanding and resolve disagreements. Given the positive response to the Crucial Conversation training sessions held last week, additional training opportunities are being planned for the fall. Whether you are in the classroom, working as a supervisor or as a peer on a team, or trying to deal with situations in your personal life, this training can help you communicate more effectively. I will let you know when the fall schedule is set. If you take the time to attend, I don't think you'll regret it. Peace, Jackie
