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Our Professional Workplace Communication Skill Development Service takes a unique approach to solving workplace communication challenges. These programs are fully interactive training initiatives designed to specifically enhance the communication skills of the participants. Using communication theory, powerful tools, and uniquely created activities, every participant will be challenged to re-examine how they communicate with their peers, how effectively messages are transmitted/received, and what the ultimate impact of that communication is. Highlights include:
The Professional Workplace Communication Skill Development program is available
in a Basic (4 hour) and Complete (8 hour) format. While each component of the
program has been specifically selected for its powerful impact and unique
contribution to the program objectives, the delivery model allows for some
customization of the program flow, in order to meet the specific needs of each
client. This web page summarizes the program components, and introduces
you to the program designer/lead faciltator.
Program Components This section describes selected program components in a typical sequence for a Complete (8 hour) program. The delivery model allows for a certain amount of customization in component selection and sequencing. Basic (4 hour) programs will include a sub-set of these program components.
All components are presented in a fully interactive manner, using experiential education methodologies. Some present challenges with a significant communication solution component, while others borrow activities from theatre-based disciplines to explore communication issues directly. Warm up and Ice-breakers All our programs begin with specially selected activities designed to set participants at ease and prepare them to get the most out of the program to follow. Be it a group of total strangers or a fully intact team, our lead-off component will be a unique and perfect fit. Individual Challenge Surveys Weeks before the actual program, we work hard to assess the needs of the client organization and the individual participants. We consider it critical that all the stakeholders drive the program outcomes, from the design through to the delivery. The depth of this needs assessment can vary from pre-program survey instruments for participants, through to a quick verbal check of perceived communication challenges at the beginning of the program. The Communication Cycle Our theory component usually begins with a review of current communication models, with emphasis on the concept of the Communication Cycle. The message formation, transmission, reception, processing, and feedback steps form the theoretical framework and vocabulary for subsequent program components. Communication Clarity: Perspective and Detail How clear is our communication? How much can we assume is received as intended? In this section we dramatically demonstrate how the formulation of our messages and the unique perspectives of the receiver can directly impact the results of our communication. Participants learn the importance of establishing a “shared mental model” early on in any communication exchange. Effective Listening There is much talk about the importance “effective” and/or “active” listening, but how do we actually achieve this? Our unique activities not only explore the concepts of how we listen – we also share the most powerful tool that we have ever encountered for easily making effective and active listening a reality. Dealing with Gossip and Rumours Many of our clients face a challenge of workplace gossip and/or rumour that can occasionally get out of hand. intallact has developed its own practical Gossip Triangle technique for directly dealing with these problems in a way that makes sense to participants and is easily implemented. Communication and Conflict Communication (or lack of it) is not only a huge component of conflict, it can also be the cause. We can dramatically demonstrate this through an experience that creates a meaningful conflict and also allows bystanders to take sides, based only on the communication presented. We then review possible win-win solutions, and how they are only found through a modification of our communication habits. The “Yes, And” Concept Every stage of the communication cycle is directly influenced by our attitude and intent, which is often revealed in the first two words of our responses: “Yes, but” or “Yes, and”? As it turns out, these are more than just words – they can also be used to describe the two most common attitudes found in professional workplace communication. Theatre improvisation theory is firmly rooted in exploring the “Yes, and” style of human interaction, so bringing those fully developed exercises into our program gives every participant a dramatic experience in the two worlds. They also learn basic dialogue frameworks that can be seamlessly integrated into real-life workplace communication. One side effect of our positive interaction tools is an identification of underlying core values, which can help resolve conflicts and create a “shared mental model”. Meeting Process Tools Another common challenge faced by our clients is how to achieve more effective meetings. While this topic could easily fill a complete stand-alone program, we can introduce our most powerful meeting process tools within the context of our communication skill development programs, when appropriate. Team Communication Yet another aspect of communication that presents a challenge in some workplaces is the concept of communication within a team instead of one-on-one. Team communication presents its own unique challenges. How do we ensure that all voices are heard? How do we gather multiple (perhaps hundreds) of opinions in a time effective manner? What are the roles of the leader and individual team members in achieving effective team communication? Answers to these questions and more will be explored.
Andrew Welch has been teaching communication skills to workplace professionals for over 20 years, and he brings an incredible wealth of corporate experience and diversity to his programs. An earlier Information Systems career took him from the world's largest network provider to his own internationally recognized consulting practice, where he was in constant demand as a trainer, speaker, and columnist. Mr. Welch’s specific industry experiences are largely in software development, healthcare, and manufacturing. Although he officially ‘retired’ from the IT industry in 1998, he continues to be sought out for his unique skill set. He also has an impressive list of television, radio, and
theatrical credits, and his extensive experience with improvisation gives him
additional tools, allowing him to bring several unique experiences to clients
who choose indoor challenges. In 2003, his session at the international Summit
for Improvisation in Business was rated the best presentation of the conference.
In that same year, he created and continues to champion the Canadian
Experiential Education Practitioners Symposium, the only annual conference for
the industry in Canada. Andrew is committed to his own ongoing
professional development, and he is constantly upgrading his skills, attending
peer gatherings, and exploring new challenges. His training program
designs often include unique models and new activities specifically created to
address particular client issues (some of which have gone on to appear in
industry publications). His perceptive and enthusiastic style consistently
earns him rave reviews from his clients.
In many cases, the Professional Workplace Communication Skill Development program will be delivered with specially trained co-facilitators, depending on circumstances and participant numbers.
For more information on our Professional Workplace Communication Skill Development Service, please contact us.
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