Session Prep | Coach

<h3>Know The Topic</h3><p>To prepare for the coaching session on communication, please review the article "Mastering the Art of Communication" linked below. Focus on understanding the four main communication styles and how to adapt your style to meet others halfway, and the Crucial Conversations framework to handle high-stakes discussions effectively. This assignment should take no more than 30 minutes.</p><h3>Objectives &amp; Outcomes</h3><ul><li><p>Understand the four main communication styles and their impact on interactions</p></li><li><p>Learn the Crucial Conversations process for navigating difficult discussions</p></li><li><p>Develop strategies to build clarity, trust, and shared meaning in conversations</p></li><li><p>Create an initial communication plan to enhance collaboration and results</p></li></ul><h3>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Review Client Prep-work</h3><ul><li><p>Analyze the client's responses to understand their current communication challenges and strengths</p></li><li><p>Identify key opportunities to improve clarity, listening, and feedback based on their reflections</p></li><li><p>Customize the session to focus on the client's biggest barriers to effective communication and highest-leverage opportunities to strengthen relationships</p></li></ul>

<h2>Session Pre-Work</h2><p><strong>READ</strong> | the article "<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://imaginecanada.ca/sites/default/files/2021-05/Mastering%20The%20Art%20Of%20Communication_Guide.pdf">Mastering the Art of Communication</a>". This guide explains the four main communication styles, how to adapt your style to others, and techniques to avoid blind spots in conversations.</p><p><strong>REVIEW (optional)</strong> | A summary of the book <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://sa1s3.patientpop.com/assets/docs/85483.pdf"><em>Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High</em></a> for an outline of the Crucial Conversations framework to handle high-stakes, emotional discussions.</p><p><strong>ANSWER</strong> | The questions below before the coaching session.</p>

How do communication barriers currently impact your effectiveness as a leader and the performance of your team?

What excuses do you find yourself making to avoid engaging in difficult conversations? How can you reframe your mindset to embrace open communication?

Review your recent communications: where have you struggled with clarity, active listening, or delivering messages effectively? What opportunities do you see to improve your communication practices?

How effectively do you currently communicate expectations and feedback to your direct reports and/or volunteers? Where could you improve your approach to enhance clarity, build trust, and support your team's development?

Reflect on a time you had a difficult conversation that went well. What communication strategies did you employ, and what was the impact on relationships, trust, and outcomes? How can you apply those lessons to future conversations in your leadership and personal life going forward?

Session Facilitation Notes | Coach

<h3>Start the Conversation</h3><p><strong>Build Rapport &amp; Set Agenda (10 min)</strong></p><ul><li><p>Welcome client and discuss any updates on their communication experiences since the last session</p></li><li><p>Collaboratively set agenda and goals for communication mastery</p></li><li><p>Possible Questions:</p><ul><li><p>What recent communication successes or challenges have you experienced?</p></li><li><p>What are your primary goals for improving communication skills?</p></li><li><p>How do you feel about your current communication style?</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Review Previous Progress (15 min)</h3><ul><li><p>Discuss client's reflections and insights from the pre-work</p></li><li><p>Highlight any successes or challenges they encountered applying new communication techniques</p></li><li><p>Possible Questions:</p><ul><li><p>What key insights did you gain from the article and summary?</p></li><li><p>What actions have you taken to adapt your communication style? What were the results?</p></li><li><p>How have communication breakdowns impacted your team and goals?</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Transition to Topic (5 min)</h3><ul><li><p>Link client's situation to session focus on communication mastery</p></li><li><p>Possible Questions:</p><ul><li><p>How do you see effective communication influencing your leadership and collaboration?</p></li><li><p>What prompted you to prioritize communication improvement?</p></li><li><p>In what ways do you think mastering communication will help you achieve your objectives?</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Explore the Topic</h3><ul><li><p>Engage client in self-reflection on their communication style, active listening, and feedback techniques</p></li><li><p>Use examples from their prep work to illustrate style adaptation and Crucial Conversations steps</p></li></ul><h3>Identify Obstacles and Generate Solutions</h3><ul><li><p>Uncover barriers such as fear of conflict, poor listening habits, or unclear messaging</p></li><li><p>Brainstorm strategies to reframe mindset and practice new communication behaviors</p></li><li><p>Prioritize opportunities using the Communication Styles framework and Crucial Conversations model</p></li><li><p>Collaborate on creating a personal communication action plan</p></li></ul><h3>Move to Action</h3><ul><li><p>Guide client to commit to specific communication exercises (e.g., feedback check-ins, active listening drills)</p></li><li><p>Ensure next steps are tied to their communication goals</p></li><li><p>Question: Given our discussion, what are 2–3 specific communication actions you will commit to taking before our next session to enhance clarity and connection?</p></li></ul>

<h2>What to Expect</h2><h3>What to Expect</h3><p>In this session, we'll tailor communication techniques to your context, exploring your style, refining listening skills, and practicing Crucial Conversations strategies. You'll leave with a clear plan to strengthen interactions and build trust.</p><p>We will delve into your unique communication patterns, identify areas for growth, and equip you with practical tools to navigate challenging discussions with confidence. By the end of our time together, you will have a personalized roadmap to foster more effective, empathetic, and productive relationships in all aspects of your leadership.</p><h3>Between Now and Then</h3><p>Observe your daily conversations and note instances where clarity was lost or feedback was needed. Keep a brief log of these moments to discuss during our coaching session.</p><p>This reflective practice is crucial for identifying recurring patterns and understanding the real-world impact of communication dynamics. By actively listening for opportunities to improve and documenting your observations, you'll gain valuable insights that will directly inform our coaching dialogue and accelerate your progress towards mastery.</p>

Takeaways & Next Steps | Coach

<h3>Deeper Questions:</h3><ul><li><p>How will you measure the impact of your communication efforts over the coming weeks?</p></li><li><p>What challenges do you anticipate in practicing these new communication habits? How will you address them?</p></li><li><p>Who will you engage to support you and hold you accountable for your communication goals?</p></li></ul>

My biggest takeaway from this session is…

Between now and the next session I will do the following…

Wrapping Up | Coach

<h3>Session Summary:</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Key Insights:</strong> Adapting communication styles enhances clarity; Crucial Conversations framework guides high-stakes talks; active listening builds trust.</p></li><li><p><strong>Action Steps:</strong> Practice one listening exercise daily; plan a Crucial Conversation using the framework; solicit feedback on your communication style.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Closing the Session</strong></p><ul><li><p>Schedule the next session and send a follow-up summary with agreed-upon next steps.</p></li><li><p>Thank the client for their openness and commitment to enhancing their communication skills.</p></li></ul>

<h2>Wrapping Up</h2><p><strong>Key Takeaways</strong>:</p><ul><li><p>Summarize the main points discussed during the session, focusing on the client's progress and key learning moments.</p></li><li><p>Reiterate the agreed-upon action steps and ensure clarity on what needs to be done next.</p></li></ul><p><strong>Next Steps</strong>:</p><ul><li><p>Confirm the schedule for the next coaching session.</p></li><li><p>Offer encouragement and express confidence in the client's ability to implement the discussed strategies.</p></li><li><p>Provide any follow-up resources or materials as promised.</p></li></ul>

<h2>Additional Resources</h2><p>Here are some additional resources for you to review if you would like:</p><ul><li><p><strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.skillsyouneed.com/docs/advanced-communication-skills-PV.pdf">SkillsYouNeed – Advanced Communication Skills (PDF)</a></strong>: Detailed workbook focusing on spoken communication, non-verbal cues, and listening strategies.</p></li><li><p><strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/communication-1-idea-3-facts-5-tips/">Center for Creative Leadership – Essential Communication Skills for Leaders</a></strong>: Actionable strategies and tips tailored for leadership contexts.</p></li><li><p><strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://thewellnesssociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Communication-Skills-Worksheets-Fillable.pdf">The Wellness Society – Communication Skills Worksheets (PDF)</a></strong>: Guided exercises and worksheets to practice effective dialogue and feedback techniques.</p></li></ul>

60-minute Check-in