Red Deer Public Schools’ latest Aspiring Leaders session focused on “sticky conversations.”
There are five Aspiring Leaders sessions planned for Red Deer Public staff throughout the school year, with the second one being held earlier this month at Pines Alternative School.
This session’s theme, “sticky conversations,” had participants explore types of discussions that require leaders to navigate difficult circumstances. Staff members attending the session were provided with strategies on how to navigate these conversations.
“Eighty percent of achieving a resolution in a difficult conversation is in intentionally preparing for that conversation ahead of time,” said Corrine Thorsteinson, associate superintendent of Red Deer Public’s people services.
“When we are well prepared and clear about what we hope to achieve with the conversation, then the sticky conversation is more likely to flow the way we want it to.”
The material at the session was based on Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler.
Participants were sorted into small groups and discussed how the session content could be applied to a scenario prepared by their table group facilitator.
“It’s not uncommon for people to avoid sticky conversations because of the discomfort they may feel. Sometimes people will forge ahead with a conversation without having been clear about their intentions and a relationship can be damaged. Sometimes we can approach a conversation but not feel like we’ve communicated what we needed to say,” said Thorsteinson.
An important process in preparing for a sticky conversation is to unpack the issue or concern ahead of time, she added.
“It’s important to focus on the facts of the issue or concern, consider whether there is a pattern and reflect on how the issue or concern is impacting the relationship. When we do this, we can separate events from emotions and get clear on what we’re trying to resolve,” said Thorsteinson.
“Another important aspect is mastering our own story. It’s important to consider the stories we may be telling ourselves about the person or the issue. This can play a significant role in how we approach the conversation.”
The next Aspiring Leaders is set for Feb. 8.
“The feedback that we heard after last year’s sessions was that staff wanted to have skill-based and practical-type strategies in their leadership toolkit,” said Thorsteinson.
“These sessions are a perfect opportunity for any Red Deer Public employee who wants to explore whether a formal leadership position is right for them; wants to build or enhance their leadership toolkit; wants to lead where they are at; or wants an opportunity to learn from and engage with other colleagues interested in leadership.”
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