‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshop
Don’t let unresolved workplace issues hold your business back. Empower your team with the skills to have difficult conversations. Increase productivity. Decrease recruitment costs. Boost profits!
The ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshop will empower your managers and team with essential skills and techniques to tackle challenging conversations with confidence, resulting in:
Enhanced Staff Retention
Managers play a pivotal role in nurturing a productive and thriving environment. Engaging in difficult conversations is the key to preventing issues spiralling out of control.
Managers, business owners and employees all must engage in conversations about:
Unfortunately, many people avoid having these conversations in a timely manner…or at all, resulting in:
operation within the team
untapped potential
and unsupported in their roles
resulting in recruitment costs and
lost expertise
culture
projects exceeding their scope
Did You Know?
Ready to ensure that these issues are addressed in your workplace?
Case Study: The Consequences of Silence
An employee (let’s call him Bill) had been employed by ABC Co for 18 months. Bill’s boss had been unhappy with Bill’s performance for a while, but had said nothing. One day, out of the blue, Bill’s boss ended Bills employment. BOOM! Bill felt blindsided. He filed an unfair dismissal claim. ABC Co‘s prospects of successfully defending the claim were slim. Bill hadn’t been given any feedback, warnings or opportunity to improve. Bill’s boss’ silence was unfair.
Bill and ABC Co settled the claim at Conciliation, but neither party felt good about the outcome. Bill had to find a new job (and he still didn’t know why). ABC Co had paid ‘overs’ to Bill to avoid a hearing…and they had to hire a new employee.
Getting it Right
Having conversations about employee performance is difficult and requires courage.
But doing it well is worth it.
If Bill’s boss had spoken to him about his concerns as soon as they arose, they could have
agreed on a plan to improve Bill’s performance together. If Bill’s performance improved,
everyone wins. If it doesn’t, there can be a respectful discussion about Bill moving on. In my
experience, where employees like Bill aren’t blindsided or embarrassed, an expensive and
stressful legal dispute can be avoided.
essential skills to address underperforming or toxic team members head-on.
Empowering your management team with these will result in:
Do you want to invest in your team’s success today and watch your business flourish?
Transform Your Team’s Conversations From Awkward To Awesome
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
These workshops are for you if…
Under performing staff are dragging down your workplace culture
Your business goals are out of reach due to low productivity
Your staff consistently exceed project scope.
Sub-optimal performance comes at a high cost.
The ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshops equip your managers and employees with the confidence and the right words to:
Are you ready to empower your team to conquer difficult conversations with confidence?
Sustainable Success
Our ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshops are not just about immediate change – they’re designed to sustain transformed behaviour by:
Experience lasting transformation and secure your path to sustainable success.
Elevate Your Team’s Conversational Prowess Today!
A 3 hour interactive and engaging group workshop with up to 20 participants
In these workshops, your managers and team will learn:
At the conclusion of the workshop, your team will emerge with:
Enhanced Communication Skills
Attendees will acquire essential communication abilities that empower them to communicate with greater effectiveness, especially in challenging situations.
Increased Confidence
Learning the art of planning for difficult conversations will significantly boost participants’ confidence in approaching and managing such discussions.
Exceptional Conflict Resolution Skills
The seven-step process for difficult conversations will provide managers and team members with a practical framework to navigate conflicts constructively, leading to effective resolutions.
Enhanced Workplace Relationships
Mastering the skill of handling difficult conversations enables attendees to foster more positive interactions, resulting in stronger relationships among team members and improved connections with their managers.
Elevated Employee Engagement
Proficiently managing difficult conversations can establish a supportive and transparent work environment, leading to increased engagement and commitment from team members.
Diminished Workplace Tension
Equipped with the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop, participants can proactively tackle issues, effectively mitigating tensions before they have a chance to escalate.
Innovative Problem-Solving
Grasping the vital ingredients and adhering to the step-by-step process for difficult conversations will empower managers and team members to collaboratively address problems and uncover mutually beneficial solutions.
Heightened Empathy and Understanding
With a strong emphasis on empathy and self-awareness, the workshop fosters a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, resulting in more compassionate and empathetic conversations.
Performance Management Excellence
Armed with enhanced skills, managers will adeptly offer constructive feedback and effectively address performance issues, resulting in enhanced performance and development among team members.
Positive Workplace Culture
Implementing the principles learned in the workshop can contribute to building a culture of open communication, trust, and accountability within your business.
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What other business leaders like you say
What is the true cost to your business when your managers and employees shy away from difficult conversations?
Recruitment costs can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.
The loss of exceptional employees in a competitive talent market.
Poor performance and toxic employees lead to high levels of stress.
Unfair dismissal fees.
A reduced bottom line.
Can the ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshop work for your business?
Accounting
Pharmacy
Construction
Marketing
Design
Retail
Creative Services
Human Resources
Consulting
Travel
IT
Fitness
Media
Entertainment
Performing Arts
My Story
I spent 15 years at Minter Ellison and 8 years as a partner at Kennedys. I’d witnessed countless workplace disputes that were entirely avoidable. That’s why, in 2015, I embarked on my mission to prevent workplace conflict before it escalates, and Bicknell Law & Consulting was born. I do the usual employment lawyery stuff, from contracts to dispute resolution, but my focus is on dispute prevention.
I’ve educated countless business owners and managers on mastering the art of performance management, equipping them with bespoke scripts, coaching, workshops, and courses, provided online and in-person. My ultimate goal? Empowering my clients with the expertise and tools to handle challenges independently – making myself redundant!
FAQ’s
Want to know more about the ‘Awkward to Awesome’ Workshops?
What specific skills will be covered in the workshop?
1. Effective Communication: Learning how to communicate clearly and assertively in challenging situations.
2. Conflict Resolution: Acquiring strategies to identify, address, and resolve conflicts constructively.
3. Performance Management: Developing the ability to provide constructive feedback and manage performance effectively.
4. Bullying and Harassment Handling: Gaining insights into addressing and preventing workplace bullying and harassment.
5. Emotional Intelligence: Building emotional awareness and self-regulation skills for better interpersonal interactions.
6. Problem-Solving: Mastering problem-solving techniques to find mutually beneficial solutions.
7. Empathy and Understanding: Developing the capacity to understand different perspectives and foster empathy in conversations.
8. Relationship Building: Cultivating healthier workplace relationships through effective communication.
9. Conflict Prevention: Recognising early signs of conflict and taking preventive measures.
10. Performance Improvement: Implementing strategies for improving overall workplace performance.
These skills will empower your team to approach difficult conversations with confidence and competence, leading to more harmonious and productive workplace dynamics.
How will the workshop be structured?
1. Introduction and Overview: The workshop will kick off with an introduction to the key concepts and goals. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the importance of difficult conversations in the workplace.
2. Interactive Learning: The workshop will feature interactive sessions, exercises, and discussions designed to engage participants actively. These activities will help participants grasp the practical aspects of handling difficult conversations.
3. Case Studies: Real-life case studies and scenarios will be presented and discussed, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in context.
4. Role-Playing: Role-playing exercises will enable participants to practice having difficult conversations in a safe and controlled environment. This hands-on experience will build their confidence and competence.
5. Customisation: The workshop will be customised to address specific challenges and scenarios relevant to your industry and business. This ensures that the training is practical and tailored to your needs.
6. Q&A and Discussion: Throughout the workshop, participants will have opportunities to ask questions, share their experiences, and engage in meaningful discussions with Jennifer and their colleagues.
7. Resource Sharing: Participants will receive valuable resources, including templates and scripts to support them in applying what they’ve learned in their daily work.
8. Conclusion and Action Planning: The workshop will conclude with a summary of key takeaways and action items. Participants will leave with a spring in their step and a clear plan for applying their newfound skills in their workplace.
By structuring the workshop in this way, we aim to create an engaging, informative, and practical learning experience that equips participants with the tools they need to excel in difficult conversations.
What are the expected outcomes of the workshop?
1. Enhanced Communication Skills: Participants will develop stronger communication skills, enabling them to articulate their thoughts and concerns effectively, even in challenging situations.
2. Conflict Resolution Proficiency: Attendees will gain the ability to identify and address conflicts constructively, leading to quicker resolutions and mutually beneficial solutions to workplace challenges.
3. Performance Improvement: Managers and team members will acquire the skills needed to provide constructive feedback and manage performance, resulting in increased employee growth and productivity.
4. Bullying and Harassment Prevention: Participants will be better equipped to recognise, address, and prevent workplace bullying and harassment, fostering a safer and more inclusive work environment.
5. Emotional Intelligence: Building emotional awareness and developing empathy and understanding of diverse perspectives will enable participants to manage their emotions during difficult conversations, leading to more productive interactions.
6. Better Workplace Relationships: By mastering the art of difficult conversations, participants can cultivate healthier interactions, leading to stronger relationships among team members and with their managers.
7. Conflict Prevention: Equipped with early conflict detection skills, participants can take preventive measures to stop conflicts from escalating.
8. Mastering Performance Management: Managers will be better equipped to provide constructive feedback and address performance issues, leading to improved performance and development.
9. Positive Workplace Culture: Implementing the principles learned in the workshop can contribute to building a culture of open communication, trust, and accountability within the business.
10. Innovative Problem-Solving: Understanding the essential ingredients and following the step-by-step process for difficult conversations will enable managers and team members to tackle problems collaboratively and find mutually beneficial solutions.
11. Overall Business Impact: These outcomes collectively contribute to a more harmonious, productive, and profitable workplace, with reduced conflict and improved employee engagement.
By achieving these outcomes, the workshop empowers individuals and organisations to handle difficult conversations with confidence and competence, ultimately leading to a more positive and successful work environment.
Can the workshop be tailored to address our specific workplace challenges?
1. Needs Assessment: To begin, we conduct a thorough needs assessment, to helps us understand your organisation’s unique challenges and goals.
2. Content Customisation: Based on the needs assessment, we tailor the workshop content to address the specific issues and scenarios relevant to your industry and organisation. This ensures that the training is practical and directly applicable to your workplace.
3. Case Studies and Scenarios: We incorporate real-life case studies and scenarios that mirror the challenges your team faces. This allows participants to practice handling situations that closely resemble their own workplace dynamics.
4. Role-Playing and Exercises: Customised role-playing exercises and group activities are designed to simulate your workplace scenarios, giving participants hands-on experience in addressing your specific challenges.
5. Scripts and Templates: Participants receive customised scripts and templates that they can use as practical tools when dealing with workplace issues. These resources are tailored to your organisation’s needs.
6. Interactive Discussions: The workshop encourages interactive discussions and Q&A sessions where participants can openly discuss their challenges and receive guidance on how to address them effectively.
7. Action Planning: At the conclusion of the workshop, participants leave with clear action plans for applying the skills they’ve learned to address your organisation’s specific challenges.
By customising the workshop in this manner, we ensure that it directly addresses the issues most pertinent to your organisation, providing practical solutions and actionable strategies for your team to implement. This tailored approach maximises the workshop’s impact on your workplace and helps you achieve your specific goals.
How will the workshop engage and involve participants?
1. Interactive Exercises: Participants will be actively involved in hands-on activities and exercises that mirror real workplace scenarios.
2. Role-Playing: Role-playing exercises allow participants to practice difficult conversations in a safe and controlled environment. This helps build confidence and competence in handling challenging situations.
3. Group Discussions: Facilitated group discussions provide a platform for participants to share their experiences, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue with Jennifer and their colleagues.
4. Case Studies: Real-life case studies and scenarios relevant to your industry and organisation will be presented and discussed. Participants can apply their problem-solving skills to analyse and address these cases.
5. Customised Scenarios: Scenarios and examples specific to your workplace challenges will be integrated into the workshop. This customisation ensures that participants can directly relate the content to their own experiences.
6. Practical Tools: Participants receive practical tools such as scripts and templates that they can use in their day-to-day work. These resources enhance engagement by providing tangible takeaways.
7. Q&A Sessions: Open Q&A sessions allow participants to seek clarification, share their thoughts, and receive expert guidance on specific challenges they may be facing.
8. Action Planning: Participants will develop action plans during the workshop, outlining how they will apply their newfound skills in their workplace. This promotes engagement by encouraging immediate implementation.
9. Customisation: The workshop is customised to address your organisation’s specific challenges and needs. This customisation ensures that participants feel a direct connection between the workshop content and their workplace.
10. Facilitator Expertise: Jennifer has in-depth knowledge of workplace challenges and effective communication techniques will guide the workshop, keeping participants engaged through expert insights and guidance.
By incorporating these engaging methods and customising the workshop to your organisation’s unique context, we create a highly interactive and participatory learning experience that empowers participants to apply their newfound skills effectively in their workplace.
What ongoing support or resources will be available after the workshop?
1. Lifetime Access to Online Course: Participants will receive lifetime access to an online course, “Difficult Conversations In The Workplace: A Lawyer’s Guide To Not Needing A Lawyer.”; This valuable resource allows participants to revisit the workshop content at any time.
2. Customised Scripts and Templates: Participants will have access to customised scripts and templates developed specifically for your organisation’s needs. These practical tools can be used as references when handling difficult conversations.
3. Coaching and Consultation: Post-workshop coaching sessions or consultation hours can be arranged to provide one-on-one guidance and support for specific workplace challenges.
4. Additional Workshops or Training: Advanced or specialised workshops or training sessions may be offered to participants who wish to further enhance their skills in specific areas related to difficult conversations.
5. Action Plan Follow-Up: Participants’ action plans developed during the workshop may be revisited in follow-up sessions to assess progress and make adjustments as needed.
By providing these ongoing support mechanisms and resources, the workshop ensures that participants have the tools and guidance they need to continue honing their skills and successfully applying them in their workplace long after the initial training has concluded.
How can we measure the success of the workshop in our specific workplace context?
1. Objective Setting: Begin by establishing specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives for the workshop. These objectives should align with your organisation’s goals and challenges. For example:
– Objective 1: Increase the number of timely and effective difficult conversations among managers by 30% within six months.
– Objective 2: Reduce employee turnover related to workplace conflicts by 20% in the next year.
– Objective 3: Improve employee engagement scores related to communication and conflict resolution by at least 10 points in the next employee survey.
2. Pre-Workshop Baseline: Collect data or conduct surveys to establish a baseline measurement of key performance indicators (KPIs) related to workplace challenges, communication, conflict resolution, and employee engagement before the workshop. This provides a starting point for comparison.
3. Post-Workshop Assessment: After the workshop, assess the impact using a combination of the following metrics:
– Behavioural Changes: Measure the frequency and quality of difficult conversations held by managers and employees. Are they initiating these conversations more often, and are they more effective in addressing issues?
– Performance Indicators: Examine performance metrics related to employee engagement, turnover rates, productivity, and workplace conflicts. Compare these with the baseline data to identify improvements.
– Feedback Surveys: Collect feedback from participants to gauge their perception of the workshop’s effectiveness. Ask about their confidence in handling difficult conversations and their ability to apply what they’ve learned.
– Peer and Supervisor Feedback: Solicit input from peers, direct reports, and supervisors to assess whether participants have demonstrated improved communication and conflict resolution skills in the workplace.
4. Case Studies and Examples: Gather specific case studies or examples of difficult conversations that were handled differently or more effectively after the workshop. These real-life anecdotes can highlight the workshop’s impact.
5. Follow-Up Workshops: If applicable, conduct follow-up workshops or training sessions to assess participants’ continued progress and skill retention. Measure any changes in behaviour and performance compared to the post-workshop assessment.
6. Feedback Mechanisms: Establish ongoing feedback mechanisms where participants can share their experiences, challenges, and successes related to difficult conversations. Use this feedback to make adjustments and improvements.
7. Long-Term Tracking: Continue tracking relevant KPIs related to workplace challenges, communication, and conflict resolution over an extended period to identify sustained improvements and trends.
8. Qualitative Assessments: Conduct interviews or focus groups with participants and key stakeholders to gather qualitative data on their experiences and the workshop’s impact. This can provide valuable insights into the workshop’s effectiveness.
9. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Calculate the return on investment (ROI) by comparing the costs of the workshop with the financial benefits achieved through reduced turnover, increased productivity, and other relevant factors.
10. Employee Surveys: Include questions related to communication, conflict resolution, and workplace dynamics in regular employee surveys to assess long-term improvements in employee perceptions.
By combining these quantitative and qualitative measurement methods, you can effectively gauge the success of the workshop in your specific workplace context and make data-driven decisions to further enhance the impact of future training initiatives.
It’s time for you to make one of two choices.
Do Nothing
Stick your head in the sand and tell yourself that all the problems will sort themselves out. We all know how that ends.
Invest In Your Team
By empowering them with the skills to have a difficult conversation. Making this choice will help your business to foster a functional, engaged and happier workplace.
Are you ready to invest in the success of your business?
One-to-one Coaching
If you would like to access one-to-one coaching with me to resolve a specific situation in the workplace, you can check out my coaching packages here.
