"Leadership Communication" Workshop

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Upcoming Virtual Zoom Sessions:

Register early - programs can sell out!

November 4 & 6, 2025 REGISTRATION OPEN SOON

This course can be combined with the Leadership Bootcamp as an option when you register. Note: To register multiple participants by invoice, or to bring this or other programs in-house, email info1@VivoGroup.com 

Overview

Leaders and managers usually find communicating with employees about work performance issues to be one of their most challenging – and avoided -- tasks. This program provides concrete skills and techniques for having objective and strategic conversations with others in a way that is both straightforward and highly effective for achieving results. Attendees will be given insight into their reactions to other’s behaviors, as well as ways to recognize and adjust to different communication styles. 

Participants will learn a specific approach for providing feedback that is both effective and motivating for others to perform at their best. Leaders and managers will gain confidence and concrete tools to handle common employee feedback responses. Attendees will also be given insight and best practices for running productive meetings that drive results and strengthen engagement.

Key Topics:

   A. Best Practices for Delivering and Receiving Feedback

   B. Mastering Difficult Conversations 

   C. Communicating With Personalities

   D. Leading Effective Meetings

Format

The seminar program format is highly interactive, and involves small-group discussions of case studies using examples that are specific and relevant to the life science and technology industries. In addition, there are facilitated group discussions, writing assignments, practical exercises, short role-playing exercises, and opportunities to gain perspective from and share best practices with course instructors and other participants. Attendees are given theoretical background and overview of topics, as well as practical tools that can be implemented in the work place. Participants gain experience by practicing using new skills where appropriate. 

Who Should Attend

• Leaders and managers at all levels in the organization who want to improve their influential conversation skills
• New managers and leaders (within first 2 years)
• Individual contributors transitioning to supervisory roles or who need to navigate difficult conversations

Seminar Leader 

Gwen Acton, PhD, is the CEO of Vivo Group.  She holds a doctorate in biology from MIT, and specializes in developing leadership and management skills in life science and technology organizations. 

Agenda:

SESSION #1: 9:00am-12:30pm

Topic A. Communicating with Personalities 

1. Overview of personality assessments (discussion) 
2. The 4 DISC/Color types (discussion) 
3. DISC/Color behavior assessment (self-assessment) 
4. Recognizing types (case study) 
5. Personality communication tips (small group discussion) 
6. Communicating with personalities (practice)

Topic B: Delivering Feedback Best Practices

1. Benefits and Challenges of Delivering Feedback (Self-assessment)
2. Nine Feedback Best Practices (small group discussion)
3. Guidelines for Timely Feedback (discussion)
4. Balancing Positive and Corrective Feedback (interactive quiz)
5. IDEAL™ Formula for Delivering Feedback (discussion)
6. Effectively Asking For & Receiving Feedback (practice)

Note: Participants will take an online DISC assessment prior to the program.

SESSION #2: 9:00am-12:30pm

Topic C: Mastering Difficult Conversations 

1. Types of Challenging Conversations (self-assessment) 
2. Difficult Conversation Tips – In-Person and Virtual (brainstorm) 
3. Composing IDEAL™ Feedback (practice) 
4. Tips on Effective Performance Reviews (discussion) 
5. Preparing for SCARY™ Responses (practice) 
6. Performance Diagnosis Tips (discussion)

Topic D. Leading Effective Meetings & Managing Difficult Situations

1. Overcoming Resistance to Challenging Communication (brainstorm)
2. Effective Meeting Best Practices - virtual or in-person (discussion)
3. Leading Effective Meetings (brainstorm)
4. Setting expectations at meetings (practice)
5. Platinum Rule of Conversations (discussion)
6. Managing “Up” (small group discussion)

Certificate of Completion

Participants who participate in all sessions are eligible to receive a form confirming attendance of the program.

Note to MA Companies
Most Massachusetts companies under 100 employees are eligible for 100% reimbursement for this training through the Express Fund. If you have a valid MA DOR Certificate of Good Standing (COGS), you can file a course application here at least 21 days before the start of training. Enter course number C-2911 and adjust the total charge to the correct amount. (If you are registering more than one individual we recommend you choose the Per Group/Per Course rate rather than Per-Individual/Per Person rate)

Upcoming Virtual Sessions:

Register soon - programs can sell out!

November 4 & 6, 2025 REGISTRATION OPEN SOON

This course can be combined with the Leadership Bootcamp as an option when you register. Note: To register multiple participants by invoice, or to bring this or other programs in-house, email info1@VivoGroup.com