Communication Styles: Shifting Mind-Sets and Building Skill Sets through Flexible, Adaptable and Energizing Tools

Description

Communication styles and the cultural, social and lived experience connections to communication style preferences offer a unique vantage point for exploring how we can “face forward” and truly leverage differences for greater productivity and relational satisfaction. This session provides tools to shift mind-sets and advance skill sets. Using communication styles as an entry point to diversity creates accessibility—and lessens defensive responses—to actually move forward to greater awareness, understanding and skill-building.

Participants engage in several activities and learn about various tools (e.g., Five-Factor Model of Communication Styles, Descriptor Checklist) to advance understanding of communication styles. One main goal in this highly interactive session (80% experiential activities, interaction, discussion; 20% presentation) is to engage attendees creatively, experientially and reflectively, so you leave energized to utilize new knowledge and skills in your own work.

Learning Outcomes

• Explore a new approach to communication styles as an entry to deeper understanding of diversity and cultural differences
• Increase skills to bridge intercultural similarities/differences, perceived vs. real inclusion and diversity
• Expand/strengthen skills with new concepts, tools and activities