A little appreciation makes a world of difference – especially at work.  Yet corporate recognition programs often fall flat and in some cases become the butt of jokes and a breeding ground for cynicism.

So what do we need to do differently? 

During this program leaders will learn how to:

• Express genuine appreciation
• Identify recognition blind spots
• Overcome organization obstacles
• Significantly improve recognition ROI

We know we’re “supposed to” give our employee’s feedback.  But in practice, managers and leaders often find themselves:

• Fretting about the conversation for days
• Sidestepping the “real” issue – hoping the employee will take the hint
• Procrastinating or ignoring the problem – expecting it will just go away

We know how important employee performance is to our organizations.  So why is it hard for us to tell our employees that they’re doing something that’s not working?

Research tells us that many leaders struggle with being candid.  Instead of being direct, straightforward and honest – they find themselves being brutal or diminishing the importance of the message.  The outcome?  The employee continues doing what they were doing.  The organization continues to get the same results.  And the leader becomes more and more frustrated and disenchanted with their team.      

After completing this course leaders will be able to:

• Deliver candid messages
• Avoid “trigger words” that instantly make people defensive
• Manage difficult employee reactions
• Keep conversations on the right track
• Stay focused on the end goal
• Redirect employee behavior

When the stakes are high we often have a difficult time having a constructive conversation.  So whether you’re trying to share an idea, get along with a difficult co-worker or address a sensitive subject, your success depends upon your skill in bringing up the issue constructively, staying in dialogue (versus monologue) and keeping the conversation productive.

Workshop attendees will learn how to:   

• Address difficult conversations
• Set the stage for positive intent
• Stay in dialogue
• Mutually explore issues
• Identify self-sabotaging behaviors
• Effectively share opinions
• Encourage others to actively engage in meaningful dialogue

It feels good to be the go-to person: the one that everyone comes to for solutions.  But saying “yes” too often can lead to long-term negative consequences.  Being a “yes” person often leaves you unfulfilled and burned out.  And not being able to say no comfortably has a negative impact on your organization, your team, your family and your friends. 

Seminar participants will: 

• Discover the long-term implications of saying “yes” too often
• Realize the power of setting boundaries
• Learn how to say no – nicely!
• Recognize when you should say no and when you should say yes

You’ve got an idea.  A very good idea.  But it seems like every time you make a suggestion – no one listens.

Sound familiar?

You are not alone.  Most of us are not in charge.  We’re not the decision-makers.  Yet we think about how to do things faster or make things better.  We care about what we do.  We truly want to make a contribution.  And we’d like to make a real difference at work.  

This workshop introduces participants to a strategy that utilizes trust and commitment – instead of relying of positional power or authority -- to influence others.   

Know                      How to analyze, develop, present and gain support for your ideas
Understand           The influencing process
Apply                      Effective influencing techniques to a real-world issue

Most of us at one time or another have taken the easy way out.  We attend an event with the full intent of learning new things and meeting new people.  But the first thing we do when we get there is find a familiar face and buddy up.  And while there is nothing wrong with staying connected to well-known colleagues – expanding your professional network can reap enormous benefits.

We all know the importance of relationship building – but even communication professionals fall prey to typical networking fears:

• Will anyone talk to me?
• What if they all know one another and I’m stuck by myself?
• How can I start an intelligent conversation?
• What if I say something and they ignore me? 

During this session you will discover how to make critical connections and build your professional network.  

No matter what business we are in – one of the most valuable skills any one can have is the ability to connect with others and rapidly build trust.  And that begins by asking the right questions.

In fact, the research indicates that asking questions improves results.  Andrew Sobel, the author of Power Questions, says it best:  “Telling creates resistance. Asking creates relationships.”

Workshop attendees will:  

• Discover how to build rapport through the art of questioning
• Appreciate the importance of the follow-up question
• Recognize what’s not being said
• Learn the secret of silence  

There are people that won’t do what you want them to do.  There are people that drive you crazy.  And there are people that you simply can’t stand.  And we have names for them like” pot stirrers”, “blow-hearts” or worst. 

We can’t change difficult people.  We can, however, communicate with them in a way where they change their behavior.     

After completing this course participants will be able to:

• Identify personal hot buttons
• Get past interpersonal drama and get on with business
• Move from conflict to cooperation

• Bring out the best in people
• Acknowledge that at times the difficult person is actually you

Extreme Facilitation is one of Aveea Partners' signature programs. 

This five-day workshop allows participants the opportunity to learn master facilitation techniques, experience how to develop relevant exercises and practice -- daily -- in front of a group of discerning peers.  

Most importantly, attendees will be exposed to the Aveea Approach where they will come to understand that facilitation demands exceptional interpersonal skills, keen observation, insight, and tact.  Aveea-trained facilitators are directors, coaches, and catalysts.  They create safe environment even as they push people out of their comfort zone.  They drive for results even as they allow participants to find their own answers.  And they lead the effort even as they give control to others.   

If you'd like to learn how to facilitate using the Aveea Approach please sign-up for our next public workshop.