Disagreement and challenging conversations are an unavoidable part of working life. A discussion about performance, priorities or a new idea can quickly become defensive, making it harder for people to listen, think clearly and address the issue together.
The Constructive Conversations Workshop gives participants practical ways to keep challenging discussions respectful and productive. Using a coaching framework, they practise pausing before reacting, understanding another person’s perspective, clarifying intentions and exploring possible ways forward.
The workshop is highly practical. Participants work with realistic examples, practise techniques in pairs and groups, and consider how to use them in situations they face at work.
Who is this workshop for?
The workshop is suitable for managers, team leaders and others who need to handle disagreement, raise concerns or work through difficult issues with colleagues. It can be adapted for groups at any level of an organisation.
What does this workshop cover?
Participants explore how to:
- recognise what helps a conversation remain constructive
- pause before responding under pressure
- create a more open start to a challenging discussion
- use questions and listening to understand another person’s perspective
- clarify intentions and address misunderstandings
- work together to consider practical ways forward
The framework provides guidance without turning a conversation into a script. Participants can use the steps flexibly, returning to an earlier point if the discussion becomes tense or defensive.
How long is this workshop?
The workshop can be delivered face-to-face or online. Its length can be adapted to the objectives and time available, from a focused session to a longer practical workshop, or as part of a wider leadership programme.
Read our article about the SPACE model
Difficult conversations cannot always be made easy, but they can be more thoughtful and productive. Our article, The SPACE Model: how to create the conditions for constructive conversations, explores why challenging discussions can become defensive and how a coaching approach can help people listen, understand different perspectives and think together.
Client reviews of this workshop:
“My key takeaways are the Limiting Beliefs and the SPACE model to have difficult conversations – a new approach on how to manage this kind of situation.” – Andres Soasti, Medical Sales Force Mead Johnson, Regional Manager, Ecuador.
“The tools for constructive conversations are really helpful. My key takeaway is the SPACE model. I have now tools to have better coaching sessions with my team.” – Raul Javier Galindo Martinez, National Hospital Execution Manager, Mead Johnson.
“I loved the communications and the practice time, helping the other person to think, not judge.” – Eva Gómez, Head of Medical Sales Mead Johnson Iberia
“I learned many new skills to make my coaching great. My key takeaways are understanding the limiting belief and how to have better conversations.” – Barbara Ortega, Medical Operations Global Director, Mead Johnson
“Constructive conversations are critical and a big world. The workshop widened the structure to have constructive conversations – how to plan them, how to execute them etc.” – Roberto Morales, General Manager Andean Region, Mead Johnson.
“Everything was incredible. I wish this training can continue every year.” – Adriana Aguayo, Mead Johnson.
“I love these lessons. Is very important to us know how you can take constructive conversations with your team. To me as special is the SPACE model. It is very powerful, not only in your professional life. You can use it with your friends and family.” – Diego Ibanez, Head Medical Sales Force, Mead Johnson, Colombia.