Formal conversations, such as performance reviews, appraisals, growth discussions, or feedback
sessions, are essential building blocks for a culture of trust and growth. They provide leaders
and employees with the opportunity to celebrate successes, reflect, and plan for the future
together.
However, these conversations are often perceived as rigid. They lack structure, focus too heavily
on numbers, or feel more like an obligation than an opportunity to grow.
And that’s a shame. In a world where personal and professional development are becoming
increasingly important, formal conversations offer a unique opportunity to truly make a
difference.
“Formal conversations are the perfect opportunity to reflect, grow, and shape the future
together — provided they are well-prepared and approached correctly.”
In the interactive training course, “Conducting Formal Conversations,” you will learn how to
transform discussions into meaningful interactions using clear structures and techniques. We
start with your real-world experiences and provide tools to help you conduct conversations that
bridge the past and future.
By the end of this training, you will understand how formal conversations can strengthen
relationships and foster growth. You will learn how to add structure, create a safe environment,
and establish actionable steps for the future.
Naturally, you will also learn how to handle challenges such as providing constructive feedback,
asking probing questions, or addressing sensitive topics.
In a group setting, and with the help of a simulation actor, you will practice these skills and
develop a personal action plan. You will also receive helpful visuals and job aids to ensure your
continued success after the training.
During this training, you will learn how to make formal conversations effective by focusing
on clear structure, a safe environment, and the right communication skills.
1. Formal Conversations: What and How?
Formal conversations are more than just evaluation moments; they promote personal
development and strengthen the connection between leaders and employees. These
discussions provide opportunities to reflect on successes and challenges together and to
look ahead toward new goals.
However, they often feel awkward due to a lack of structure or an overemphasis on
metrics. In this section, you will learn how to avoid these pitfalls and transform
conversations into meaningful interactions. Establishing a safe foundation with clarity,
relevance, and connection is essential to build trust and enable real growth.
2. Preparation: Setting the Scene
Good preparation is essential for a successful conversation. It provides structure, clarity,
and a safe environment. In this section, you will learn how to prepare effectively for a
formal conversation, ensuring you can discuss not only facts and performance but also
create space for open communication and growth.
3. The Conversation That Matters: Starting, Reflecting, and Moving Forward
Successful conversations begin with proper framing: clearly defining the purpose of the
discussion and setting expectations. This turns out to be less straightforward than it
seems, but it is a skill you can learn. Next, we focus on both pull and push communication
techniques, enabling you to effectively reflect on the past and collaboratively look forward
to the future.
4. Wrapping Up and Following Through: Dotting the I’s and Crossing the T’s
Wrapping up a conversation means setting clear agreements about the process, content,
and documentation. A well-defined conclusion ensures everyone knows what is expected.
Following up is essential to ensure that agreements are respected. By following up
regularly, you remain engaged and support your employees’ progress and growth.
5. Let’s Do This!
Practice! Practice! Practice! Using your own cases, in groups, and with a simulation actor.
After this training:
• Understand why formal conversations are so important and what the pitfalls are.
• Know how to create a safe context where employees can communicate openly and
constructively.
• Understand how to combine a formal structure with a personal approach.
• Be able to reflect on the past and look ahead in a way that fosters growth and
collaboration.
• Know techniques for handling challenging conversations.
• Be able to clearly document agreements.
• Feel more confident in conducting difficult conversations.
You don’t build a strong culture of dialogue with a one-size-fits-all approach. To make dialogue work effectively within organizations, we offer various formats tailored to different needs and situations. These tools help strengthen skills, drive change, and achieve learning objectives. Discover how our formats contribute to impact and sustainable results.
There are currently no events in French. By clicking on the button below, you can consult the events organised in Dutch.