Address the Uncomfortable Safely
Most employees want to speak up at work when a situation doesn't feel right, but many hesitate because they aren't sure how to start the conversation. They stay silent because the personal risk feels too high. What conversations are you avoiding that are important to you? What could you accomplish with the right tools?
Conversations That Matter is a free, HR-developed skill-building program that gives you the tools to navigate uncomfortable but meaningful conversations safely and with confidence through interactive practice with U of A employees like you. This is a 6-hour commitment.
Do Either of These Scenarios Sound Familiar?
The Colleague Conflict
You're managing your tasks fine, but a new project has pushed your plate past capacity. Your supervisor hasn't asked how you're doing. They're focused on the deadline. You've thought about saying something, but you don't want to seem like you can't handle it.
What if you raised it before it affected your work?
The Chronic Delay
A colleague you rely on misses a project deadline without a heads-up. You let it slide; maybe it's just a miscommunication. But it happens again. And again.
What if you addressed the delay right away instead of letting it slide?
What You'll Practice
Through three interactive modules, you'll practice what to do before the conversation, during the conversation, and when it gets hard.
The Groundwork of Intention
You'll develop a clearer understanding of how you react in uncomfortable situations and what assumptions you bring to those moments. You'll reflect in your workbook and share with a partner.
You'll leave this module ready to enter a difficult conversation with more self-awareness and less reactivity.
A Structure for the Uncomfortable
You'll follow a blueprint to build a productive conversation around an uncomfortable scenario from your day-to-day work. You'll practice with a partner to identify what feels natural and what challenges you.
You'll leave this module with a clear plan for navigating an uncomfortable conversation, and the practice to use it confidently.
A Framework for Composed Curiosity
You'll apply active listening skills to navigate an uncomfortable, scripted scenario in groups of three, practicing real-time pushback, managing defensiveness, and co-creating solutions that stick.
You'll leave this module with the earned confidence that comes from having navigated messy conversations and knowing how to bring them back to center.
What to Expect
Confidentiality
Whether virtual or in person, the program takes place in a confidential space called a practice lab. What’s shared there stays there.
Common Ground
Regardless of job title or role, everyone arrives with the same goal: to communicate more confidently.
Active Practice
You'll practice, reflect, and capture your thinking in a digital workbook. Everyone chooses how much they share. Your comfort comes first.
The Conversations That Matter Commitment
This program asks something of you before you register:
Honor Confidentiality
Psychological safety is the foundation of this program. Are you ready to ensure that what is shared in the "practice lab" stays within the group?
Attend All Sessions
Each module builds on the last. Are you ready to protect these dates on your calendar to ensure you (and your colleagues) get the full benefit of the program?
Actively Participate
This isn't a passive webinar. Are you ready to engage in live practice, give honest feedback, and apply these tools in real-time with your peers?
Seats are available on a first come, first served basis; however, multiple team members may register for the same session.