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Learn How To

Identify the 3 layers that characterize any difficult conversation
Productively navigate emotions and issues of identity that surface
Engage more productively in the difficult--but necessary--conversations that surface in our everyday lives

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Course Syllabus

01

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

Video: Introduction from Sheila Heen

Exercise: Introduce Yourself to the Course Community

Video: What is a Difficult Conversation?

Video: Why Do Difficult Conversations Matter

Video: Shift from a Message Delivery Stance to a Learning Conversation

Video: Unpacking the 3 Layers of Any Difficult Conversation

Exercise: Frame Your Difficult Conversation

Video: How to Negotiate with Your Internal Voice

02

HOW TO AVOID BLAME

Video: Difficult Conversation Case Study 1

Video: Coaching in Action: Shifting from the What Happened Conversation

Video: How to Shift Away from Blame

Video: Difficult Conversation Case Study #2

Video Coaching in Action: How to Handle this Difficult Conversation

Exercise: Map Your Joint Contribution System

03

HOW TO NAME EMOTIONS WITHOUT GETTING EMOTIONAL

Video: Dealing with Feelings

Exercise: Prepare to Address the Feelings Layer

04

HOW TO GRAPPLE WITH THE IDENTITIES OF PARTICIPANTS

Video: Why Identity Matters in Difficult Conversations

Video: How to Grapple with Identity in Difficult Conversations

Exercise: Prepare to Address the Identity Layer

05

THE LEARNING CONVERSATION

Video: Identify Your Purpose for the Conversation

Exercise: Identify Your Purpose for the Conversation

Video: Begin from the Third Story

Video: How to Listen in a Difficult Conversation

Video: How to Speak for Yourself

06

PREPARING FOR YOUR OWN DIFFICULT CONVERSATION

Video: Final Words of Advice

Exercise: Prepare for Your Own Difficult Conversation

Leverage real-world expertise

Apply breakthrough insights from today’s leading thinkers to your social enterprise.

Adopt best practices

Learn tried and true methods to amplify your impact from the best in the business.

Enjoy lifetime access

Revisit courses, refresh your knowledge, and brush up on your skills at any time.

This is a course that everyone who works with others should take. It's quick and full of great tips to help interpersonal communication. As someone in a management position who needs to provide feedback to staff and deal with work conflict this was very helpful - especially the part related to those with high empathy!”

Mandy

Course Description

In this course, Harvard Law School professor Sheila Heen will teach you practical strategies for handling difficult conversations with grace and agility while achieving productive results. This course is for anyone who needs to work together with other people—in their personal or professional lives—to achieve something tough but meaningful together.
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About
the Instructor

Sheila Heen

Founder of Triad Consulting Group, Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, Co-author of Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback, and faculty member for the Harvard Negotiation Project.

About
the Instructor

Sheila Heen

Founder of Triad Consulting Group, Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, Co-author of Difficult Conversations and Thanks for the Feedback, and faculty member for the Harvard Negotiation Project.

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Our community comes from a range of countries and socioeconomic backgrounds; differences in pricing standards and privilege shouldn't prevent access. Therefore, this course is 'pay what you can.' In order to continue to provide access to as many people as possible, we appreciate whatever you are able to contribute to help keep our courses running. Please note that a payment is NOT required to take this course.
Suggested Price
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