HDA EVENT - Challenging Conversations – how to handle them effectively

October 8, 2009 – London

There comes a point in most peopleís careers when they have to deal with challenging conversations. Change management, individual or team performance, restructuring and redundancy are all areas that require a professional approach, particularly when bad news is involved. Whether we choose to avoid these conversations or prepare well for them is a critical factor in determining effective workplace communications.

The state of the economy and the resulting pressure on businesses across all sectors will inevitably increase the need for change, performance improvement, restructure and headcount reduction. As a result, HR professionals will have to face the prospect of delivering difficult messages more frequently.

This event, brought to you by HDA Associates Ltd (www.hda.co.uk) is a follow on from our recent Challenging Conversations session held in February 2009. However, due to popular demand this session is aimed solely at HR Professionals likely to be in the front line of delivery; and also participants will have the opportunity, in advance of the session, to put forth the topics/scenarios of most concern to them so that the workshop can be tailored specifically to the needs of the audience.

The key objectives of the session are to assist you in developing a better understanding of the dynamics involved in challenging workplace communications while also providing an insight into useful models, tools and techniques to promote more effective conversations.

This interactive learning session combines insights from our experience in the area along with practical exercises and focused discussion; in order to develop a practical framework, involving a selection of tools and techniques, for effectively delivering difficult messages and handling challenging conversations.

Key components:

ï Exploring the reasons why conversations fail
ï Understanding emotional reactions to receiving and delivering bad news
ï Understanding the roles individuals play in conversations
ï Presenting models, tools and approaches for achieving positive outcomes – including influencing, negotiation, active listening and coaching skills development
ï Examining a variety of scenarios highlighting typical workplace situations
ï Enabling participants to address questions/issues they may be facing in the workplace

Event Details:
Venue: Golden Cross House, Duncannon Street, London, WC2N 4JF
Times: 10.00 -14.00
Price: 75pp VAT

Presenter:
Sarah, a Senior Consultant and Executive Coach at HDA with over 24 years experience including Resourcing, Sales and Marketing and HR both in the UK and overseas (including blue chips, local firms and start ups). Most recent role was as Director of Resourcing for a multi site FTSE 100.

An energetic and creative strategic thinker with strong motivational and influencing skills and the ability to get to the heart of an issue in a sensitive but direct way. Highly commercial having worked extensively with high flyers including senior executives from different cultures and backgrounds and from highly competitive and demanding environments. Strong leadership, project management and communication skills and the ability to effectively promote the need for profitability, target achievement and financial control.

Experience working with organisations going through change including M&A and joint ventures and therefore has an in depth understanding of the knock on effects of these changes on employees. Uses creative thinking to identify developmental opportunities in often difficult market conditions.

To Book:
To secure your place on this event, please contact Luke Bennett, Senior Account Account - llb@hda.co.uk / 020 7484 5065.