Courageous Conversations

Courageous Conversations at ASTD-LA

Check out Marc Levine's recently published article for the ASTD-Los Angeles Chapter's Interchange newsletter - "Spring Gardening with Courageous Conversations"

Tim invited back to ASTDNY Metro

I have been invited back to speak at the ASTDNY Metro Chapter's Consultant's Special Interest Group on Thursday, May 1.

The SIG member consultants meet together for common interest dialogue and networking. Last fall we began a conversation on how to sell and market our services. As an independent consultant for the last 15 years, I have been down this path before to answer the question - how do I distinguish myself in the marketplace?

On May 1, I will once again lead a conversation to help each member answer this question for him/herself.

So, if you are a learning and development consultant who is looking for some help, guidance and networking, join us on May 1 for another lively, interactive discussion.

See you then, Tim.

Register: ASTDNY Metro Chapter

Courageous Conversations at ASTD International Conference

Once again, Marc Levine and The Mulvaney Group has been invited back to the ASTD International Conference and Exhibition.

On June 4, 2008, Marc, in partnership with our good friend and colleague, Laura Arellano, of Meta Logia, will present their dynamic, user-centered session: Captive to Interactive: Transforming Resistant Learners.

In the session, Marc and Laura, will pass along their successful tips, tools and techniques to help both new and experienced trainers to transform even the most resistant participants into focused, committed learners.

Check out the full description and join them when you are in San Diego for the ASTD International Conference and Exhibition.

Tim becomes an adjunct Professor at NYU

As of today, April 8, 2008, I am an adjunct professor with the New York University Robert F. Wagner School of Public Policy.

Along with my associate, Colette Ellis, of Instep Consulting, we will be offering a credited class on Diversity Management.

I am excited and honored to be offered the opportunity to contribute to the field in this particular way.

Talk to you soon, Tim.

"I am canceling your event"

Susan has been planning the panel discussion for weeks. She got three senior leaders to agree to be on the panel. Another senior leader jumped in at the last minute to be moderator. But Mike, Susan’s boss' boss - who is on the panel - decided to cancel the event at 4:00 the night before because Mike decided he didn't like the new moderator. Susan heard about the cancellation second-hand. She decides to speak to Mike to see if she can change his mind. (15:40)

Click here to download as an MP3

Lessons Learned:

• Have alternatives - Susan almost got Mike to change his mind because she had a variety of alternatives, solutions and possible outcomes.
• Have an intention to dialogue - Not just to "make the case," but to hear how the other person sees it as well.
• Be a peer - Both did a great job of being respectful and listening to each other. Even though ultimately it was Mike's decision to make.
• Willing to have multiple conversations - There wasn't enough time to discuss Susan being the moderator. But both were willing to revisit the issue.
• Avoid "to be on the record" - Susan's closing statement was just a bit too strong. She had made her case and it was clear where she stood.

Download Lessons Learned

"Do you think you should be doing that?"

What a great client event last night. The launch went off without a hitch, the drinks were flowing freely, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Except that you saw two of your colleagues, tucked away in the corner, in physical contact that may not have been the most appropriate time and/or place. You decide to talk to your friend/colleague about this behavior. (12:25)

Click here to download as an MP3

Lessons Learned:

• Be specific about the consequences - "...something bad might happen" is what caught Chris' attention.
• Support the policy - Pat's not sure it is a problem, but worried that it could be.
• Focus on the impact - Chris' intentions are not what is at issue - it's the behavior and the impact.
• Be a friend - Pat raised the issue because Chris is a friend and cares about what happens to her.

Download Lessons Learned

Tim talks about Podcasting - March 11, 2008

At the March 11, 2008 ASTD-NY chapter meeting from 6:00-8:00 PM ET, I was on a panel to discuss: Using Today's Media to Maximize Effectiveness in Workplace Training

This event was co-sponsored by Media Communications Association International You can hear the entire audio podcast at the MCA-I website, along with audio clips from the other speakers.

Here is a 45-second clip of me from the panel.

A question from the floor was "what was 'new' about audio and video?" As you will see and hear, what was "new" for me is the expectation that training is shorter, it happens on my own time, and there is a technology component.

Talk to you soon, Tim.

"I think I am being harassed"

Sasha stops by Mike's office, her boss, to tell him that she doesn't like the emails and attention she is getting from Gordon in Engineering. She wants Mike to take action to get Gordon to stop. (11:55)

Click here to download as an MP3

Lessons Learned:

• Is this the right time? - Be sure you have enough time to engage in this discussion. Schedule a time if needed.
• Be direct - Without the use of the word "harassment", it becomes oddly unclear about what is being talked about.
• Be human - Let the employee know you care about what happens to her.
• What's next? - Don't make promises you can't keep, but let the employee know what happens now.

Download Lessons Learned

"What? You think I can't read this properly?"

Nancy is working in an international company and has a colleague in their Brazilian subsidiary. They communicate by phone or by email only. Nancy conveyed some important facts by CAPITALIZING these facts in an email. Shortly afterwards her boss Michael called her into his office. Nancy learned that Raul had badly complained about her. (14.55)

I speak with Regine Albrecht of ExpatLinQ about this conversation. Regine and ExpatLinQ provide services to executives who are relocating cross-culturally and want help in smoothing the transition. She is generous enough to share with me some of the cultural missteps she has seen happen which we practice in the Coffee Conversations.

Click here to download as an MP3

Lessons Learned:

• Define expectations upfront - When it goes wrong, you have neutral, agreed upon place to return.
• Check-in Points - Don't assume everything is OK. Double-check. Make sure.
• Speak face-to-face - The words, the tone, the inflection - all valid elements of communication. But none of those can beat body language and facial expressions.
• Speak directly - twice - Give each person a chance to describe the situation in his/her native tongue.

Download Lessons Learned

...'cause you may have a small fit"

Jake is the project's leader. He need to let Randy, his boss know that the budget and the deadline will slip. Randy is not known for being open to this kind of news. Jake’s challenge will be to make sure he does know, does understand the situation and especially what help Jake needs to get back on time and budget. (13:06)

Click here to download as an MP3

Lessons Learned:

• Setup a meeting - Find a time - asap - that works for the two of you.

• Have alternatives - Walk into the meeting with 2-3 things Randy could do.

• Stay on task - Can easily degenerate into blame rather than fixing the issue.

• Take responsibility - Jake is the team lead. It is his job to stay on budget and time.

Download Lessons Learned