How to Have Difficult Conversations

There is both a science and an art to having conversations with impact. This workshop is an overview of the mind and skill sets that inspire and catalyze successful, essential conversations. It includes a framework for utilizing discoveries from neuroscience, communication theories, and various psychologies—including positive, cognitive, evolutionary, and existential. Become more adept in navigating conversations by gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges people face (including yourself) in having mindful, compassionate conversations. The principles and practices we explore are applicable to personal relationships as well.

In this experiential workshop, participants learn an approach for understanding the common opportunities and impediments to meaningful conversation. Learn to recognize and address the hidden dynamics and issues people have behind their upsets. Discover the factors that increase the probability of having the other person receive your message positively. Become aware of the hidden assumptions that could derail an essential conversation and explore the importance of interpersonal courage.

Leave this workshop with practices to diminish reactivity and inspire positive participation in any conversation.

Daniel Ellenberg, PhD is a leadership coach, organizational trainer, executive advisor and licensed therapist. He is a principle in Rewire Leadership Institute and Relationships That Work. He leads Strength with Heart men's groups and seminars and is a board member of the Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom and CIIS. He co-created and delivered a resilience training program for several NASA space centers and is the co-author of Lovers for Life: Creating Lasting Passion, Trust, and True Partnership, a contributor to The Communication Path and Mastering the Art of Succes.s He is a lead researcher in exploring the role of interpersonal courage in the workplace.

He leads both professional and personal workshops that focus on building resilience, overcoming misunderstandings, developing self-compassion, and helping men liberate themselves from constrictive sex roles. Daniel helps people realize that their greatest assets lay in their own curiosity, authenticity, and willingness to embrace change. He specializes in helping leaders both craft and deliver their messages to individuals, teams, and boards, and throughout the entire organization. He helps leaders understand the critical success factors that turn assumptions, misunderstandings, and conflicts into clear, precise, and productive conversations.