Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations is a session that anyone at any level can benefit from, however for those in leadership positions, it is a vital skill necessary to be successful in your role. Participants will learn tools and methodology for getting through some of the more challenging aspects of being a manager of people. Said differently, there's no avoiding a difficult conversation. How you manage these toughest of conversations can literally be the difference that positions your organization for success (or not). In this session, you'll understand how to improve both individual and team morale and performance, how to have fewer unresolved issues and tensions, demonstrate you are invested in your team's success, show respect for those who look to you for leadership and ultimately how to be a better leader.

Participants will learn the following topics

• Understand & identify common scenarios to navigate challenging discussions effectively.

• Understand how to prepare for and execute difficult conversations.

• Understand the do’s & don’ts and how to utilize these tools to foster employee growth, trust & accountability.

• Learn how to have open and honest conversations around challenging topics through interactive breakout sessions

Presenter:

Mark Heyman, JD, is the Founder of HR Happens, an HR consultancy based in Burlington. His professional career started in labor and employment law; he was Deputy Legal Counsel to the VT State Employees Association and an Assistant Clerk in the VT House of Representatives. Mark transitioned to HR as co-owner of Cope & Associates and then owner of Cope HR for 10 years. He then served as HR Director and General Counsel of OnLogic, a global industrial PC company headquartered in VT. Mark received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont in 1992 and his JD from Suffolk University Law School in 1995. He and his family live in South Burlington, VT.