Catherine will explore the Structural Dynamics (SD) model and dialogue as tools for having difficult conversations, focussing on how to recognise when the situation becomes ‘high stakes’ for yourself and/or others.

By the end of the session we will have had the opportunity to:

Identify triggers for ‘high stakes’;
Recognise your own response to ‘high stake’ triggers;
Explore how to lower the stakes for yourself; and
Manage high stake situations by using structural dynamics positions to take when in high stakes.

Knowing your team operating system gives you a greater insight into those differences and enables you to read and understand the dynamic that is going on – the more you can read the system the better able you are to have conversations that uncover issues, get fresh, new ideas on the table, establish genuine agreement and commitment, and get things done.

This online session will build on a previous session on “Structural Dynamics” with the focus this time on the Operating System (the rules governing the language we use and the actions we take when interacting with each other). This will allow you the opportunity to explore your own team operating system in an interactive exercise followed by an online discussion.

Every action stance takes place within one of three communication domains – these domains define the focus and direction of what we say based on an orientation that preoccupies us – some focus heavily on Feelings, some on getting things done and others on understanding what it all means (Affect, Power and Meaning). Our preference is driven by a deep inner sense of what we care about and what is important to us. We can explore what this means for our every day workplace conversations.

In this session you will be introduced to:

The Theory of Structural Dynamics and its place in face to face communication with individuals, groups and leaders.
We will focus on one element of the model this evening “Action Modes”.
Look at the “Action Modes” element of the model in relation to conversations you may have as practitioner, leader/manager or member of a team.