Navigating Conflict Up, Down and Across

½-day virtual

If you have ever wondered why conversations with certain people always seem to turn out badly, this workshop is for you. You will learn how to recognize which conflict style the other person is using and how to adjust your own approach to get a better result. There will be plenty of opportunity to practice new conflict strategies and prepare for an anticipated conversation.

Participants who attend this program will understand:

• Gain awareness about their own preferred conflict management strategy and how to flex for the situation
• Achieve greater confidence in navigating conflict and difficult conversations
• Learn new strategies for achieving productive conflict

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “I thought I would hate doing conflict role-plays but it ended up being the most fun and helpful part of the class!”
• “I never thought about preparing for a conversation where I anticipate conflict but now I definitely will.”
• “I was surprised by how effective it is to ask a question vs. make a statement when tensions are high.”
• “I never realized how much my tone and body language matter – sometimes even more than my words. Now I know how important it is to enter a conflict conversation with an open mind and willingness to listen.”

Cohort-based Learning Programs

Finger Consulting’s cohort-based learning programs are designed to engage learners in in-depth study that leads to new ways of thinking and new approaches to workplace challenges. Programs range from 5-9 months depending on the number of leadership development topics your organization would like to include.

Structure of the program:

• Planning meetings with stakeholders to understand learning needs
• A workplace assessment (such as the Clifton Strengths Assessment, MBTI, DiSC) to increase participants’ self-awareness
• A series of monthly virtual learning sessions (typically 2-2.5 hours each) on your topics of choice
• 2-3 individual coaching sessions for each participant (depending on length of program)
• Built in accountability: Action is required in between each workshop and participants report out on what they did during the following session

Here’s what participants are saying about their cohort-based learning program

• “The facilitator really connected all of the sessions together for us. There was a great flow to the order of the workshops.”
• “This continuous learning approach was much more effective than the typical ‘one and done’ workshop approach where I often didn’t apply the learning. I am already trying out new approaches with much success.”
• “I really liked the pre-reads and videos for each workshop. I felt that I had some grounding on the topic before entering class, which allowed me to participate more confidently.”
• “Having individual coaching sessions was amazing. That’s not usually available to people at my level. I was able to talk through specific challenging situations (and people!) with my coach and now feel that I can problem-solve these situations on my own!”
• “We are already planning monthly pizza lunches so we can keep the momentum going after our program is completed. I’m psyched to keep meeting with my colleagues!”
• “Wow, I’m actually doing things differently and getting better results!”

Influencing

½-day virtual

When we influence through building relationships with key people in the workplace it leads to mutual understanding and collaboration instead of a power struggle. In this workshop, participants will learn about the art of influencing and the importance of listening to the other person’s perspective.

Participants who attend this program will:

• Learn the difference between trying to influence someone and trying to control the situation
• Learn the art of storytelling and active listening
• Gain new skills in how to “manage up”

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “The pace was perfect and I enjoyed how experiential and interactive the session was.”
• “I learned that I was frustrated because I was focusing on trying to change things I couldn’t control vs. focusing my energy in the areas where I actually have influence.”
• “I now have the skill to actively listen.”
• “I have some great strategies now for influencing my boss!”

Strengths-based Leadership

½-day virtual

This workshop is designed to help you to recognize and apply your strengths and talents as a leader. Each participant will receive a code to take the Clifton Strengths Assessment. You will immediately have access to your report and a library of brief videos that help you to understand your top strengths. Participants who attend this workshop will:

• Receive a Strengths Insights report
• Learn how to use their strengths to overcome challenges
• Understand how everyone’s strengths play out on the team
• Practice applying their strengths to a real and current leadership situation

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “My Strengths report was amazingly accurate!”
• “The idea that weaknesses are just over-used or under-used strengths was an eye-opener. I now feel confident I can make the changes I need to make to be a better leader.”
• “I always assumed that leaders needed to make decisions quickly and felt that I was failing at that. But now I see that I can use my ‘deliberative’ strength to anticipate obstacles so that I make the right decisions.”

Giving Effective Performance Feedback with Ease

½-day virtual

Because we are not taught how to give effective feedback in school, most of us are left to figure it out on our own and are uncertain about the best way to approach it. As a result, we often avoid the conversation for too long and are trying to give feedback when our frustration is high. But, what if you could have a simple way to prepare for the conversation that would allow you to get better results?

Participants who attend this program will:

• Receive a feedback planning tool for use during the workshop and after
• Receive tips for the do’s and don’ts of giving feedback
• Have the opportunity to plan for a specific feedback conversation
• Practice giving the feedback

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “I now have the tools to prepare for a feedback session more thoughtfully.”
• “Practicing with peers and being able to discuss the nuances of our work environment was very helpful.”
• “Using our real feedback scenarios was so useful. I am much more confident about having the conversation with my employee now.”

The Power of Questions – Getting Communication Unstuck

½-day virtual

Interpersonal communication at work (and outside of work!) is not always easy. Some people like to think out loud while others like to reflect before they speak. Some people are methodical in their approach to solving problems while others are fast paced. Some people prefer to avoid risk while others believe that risk leads to innovation.

We tend to get into trouble in our communication with others when we expect them to think, solve problems, and make decisions the same way we do. We can get out of trouble by inquiring before telling and this workshop will help you to do just that.

Participants who attend this program will:

• Practice discerning the distinction between advocacy and inquiry
• Understand why we all tend to be more comfortable using advocacy
• Gain mastery in the art of inquiry through practice using real and current situations they are experiencing

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “I never realized before how important my body language and tone was, even on Zoom or a phone call.”
• “I was surprised by how hard it was to avoid advocating for my position when asking the other person a question. When it happened to me in the practice, I didn’t like it, so I will be much more mindful now!”
• “I may not have ever asked a true inquiry question before this class. There is real power in this approach!”
• “During practice, when I used inquiry instead of advocacy, there was an actual dialogue between me and the other person instead of it turning into a debate.”

Leading Others

2-day virtual class

This program helps participants to understand what is important to those they lead and how to engage employees based on strengths, talents, and core values. The first step is for each leader to understand their own strengths, talents and core values. Participants will gain self-awareness on these topics through the Clifton Strengths Assessment.

Participants who attend this program will understand:

• How old habits of thinking and perceiving can limit leadership effectiveness
• How a mindset shift can expand the possibilities
• New ways to approach delegation, performance feedback, conflict and difficult conversations

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “This program was both practical and insightful.”
• “I thought two full days on Zoom would feel long, but it didn’t! Loved the breakout room and whiteboard activities. Very engaging class!”
• “I learned some new ways to approach delegation that will develop and engage my employees.”
• “I can really see the benefits of preparing for a performance feedback conversation!”
• “I was surprised how accurate the Strengths Assessment was!”

Getting Results through Effective Delegation

½-day virtual

Overseeing the work of others is not easy. Every manager and supervisor has their own way of doing things and we all tend to think that our way is the “right” way. This mindset can prevent us from delegating appropriately resulting in frustration and working long hours to do things that could (and should) be delegated. This workshop will help you to prepare for delegating a task and set clear expectations and milestone check-ins so you get the results you need. Once you’ve done that, you will find that you have more time for the work of a leader and will be more satisfied with your role.

Participants who attend this workshop will:

• Gain self-awareness about their delegation practices and what’s working/not working
• Receive a delegation planning tool
• Have the opportunity to practice with a real and current situation

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “I liked the breakouts for practice, and the honest feedback I received.”
• “The tips in the handout resources section are great and I will use them to prepare.”
• “I learned how to set clear expectations. I thought I was, but I wasn’t!”
• “I now have a blueprint for thinking through delegation.”

Leading a Hybrid Team

Full day virtual class

Whether you’re new to leading a hybrid team or have been leading one for a while now, it’s critical to step back and reflect on what kind of team culture you want to create or if the culture you currently have is working for your team. If you find yourself questioning whether the team is as productive as it could be or find yourself feeling more stressed than before, this workshop is for you. This program gives you time to reflect, plan and practice new strategies for navigating a hybrid workplace. Participants who attend this program will:

• Have clear guidelines for what and how to communicate to employees
• Understand the nuances of effective delegation and giving performance feedback in a hybrid environment
• Overcome old habits of thinking and leading
• Practice new approaches that will help you and your team to be more effective and productive

Here’s what participants are saying about the program:

• “The emphasis on inclusivity was especially helpful to me.”
• “I appreciated the structured approach to what and how to communicate to team members.
• “The ideas for creating team norms were extremely helpful and I will be doing this with my team.”
• “I hadn’t been paying attention to ensuring social time and connection for the team and realize how much this could help with collaboration, productivity and, ultimately getting good results.”