Three Pathways, One Goal: Better Workplace Communication
At the U of A, we recognize that employees have different learning preferences, schedules, and professional development goals. That's why we offer three distinct pathways, all designed to help you navigate challenging conversations with greater confidence and skill. You can start with any program based on your current needs and learning preferences. While they're designed to build on each other, each program is valuable on its own.
LinkedIn Learning
Learn at your own pace, on your own schedule
- Thousands of courses on-demand
- Start anytime, learn anywhere
- No time commitment required
- Immediate access
- Free for all U of A Benefits-Eligilble employees
Best for: Employees who prefer independent learning and flexible scheduling
Conversations That Matter (CTM)
Practice with U of A colleagues in structured sessions
- 6 hours (virtual or in-person options)
- U of A-specific scenarios and context
- Cohort-based learning
- Practical frameworks (SBI4, Ladder of Inference)
- Free for all U of A employees
Best for: Employees who learn best with colleagues in guided, structured settings
Crucial Conversations
Comprehensive mastery with career-long value
- 12 hours of comprehensive training
- Apply each tool to a specific crucial conversation over the course of 12 hours
- Nationally recognized methodology
- CEU credits for licensed professionals
- Learner Guide and toolkit included
- $331 per person (The university subsidizes 83% of the program cost.)
Best for: Professionals seeking certification and transferable credentials
Which Program is Right for You?
Compare features, outcomes, and commitments across all three programs using our Detailed Program Comparison below.
| Feature | LinkedIn Learning | Conversations That Matter | Crucial Conversations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (U of A-provided) | Free (U of A-developed and provided) | $331 (The university provides and subsidizes 83% of the program cost.) |
| Time Commitment | As much or as little as you want | 6 hours; three days or 1 full day | 12 hours |
| Format | On-demand video courses | Structured cohort sessions (in-person or virtual) | Facilitated workshop (in-person or virtual) |
| Schedule Flexibility | Complete flexibility - start/stop anytime | Fixed session times (options available) | Fixed workshop schedule |
| Learning Style | Independent, self-directed | Collaborative cohort with U of A peers | Facilitated group instruction |
| Context | Universal workplace skills | U of A-specific scenarios and culture | Universal applications |
| Materials Provided | Access to course library while employed at U of A | Learner guide with practical frameworks | Book, workbook, comprehensive toolkit (yours to keep) |
| Credential/Recognition | Course completion certificates | Program completion certificate | Professional certification + CEU credits |
| Practice Opportunities | Self-reflection and application | Structured practice with U of A peers | Extensive role-play and scenarios |
| Best For | Exploring topics, building foundational knowledge, flexible learning | Building shared language with peers, U of A-focused skill development | Career-long professional development, certification requirements, comprehensive mastery |
| Primary Outcome | Practical workplace communication skills | Immediate workplace confidence in U of A context | Comprehensive communication mastery with portable credentials |
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Many U of A employees use LinkedIn Learning for ongoing skill development while also attending structured programs like CTM or Crucial Conversations. The programs are designed to complement each other, not replace each other.
No. You can start with any program based on your current needs and learning preferences. While they're designed to build on each other, each program is valuable on its own.
Yes! LinkedIn Learning provides ongoing skill refreshers and new topics. CTM offers practice in a U of A-specific context with current colleagues, which can reinforce and apply your Crucial Conversations skills in new ways.
Yes! Teams often register together for CTM or Crucial Conversations to build shared communication language.
If you prefer a department training, email hr-learnanddevelop@arizona.edu for a consultation.
Teams can also enroll in LinkedIn Explorers to engage in deeper dialogue. LinkedIn Learning is also always available for individual learning.