Core Classroom: Conversations Worth Having for Library Leaders
Course Start/End Dates: April 4 – April 25, 2022
Description:
Communication remains the top issue for organizations, teams, and relationships, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this workshop, you will learn and apply two simple communication practices to strengthen connection, ignite creativity, and engage others in meaningful conversation, even in tough situations. It’s all about the questions that you ask and how you frame the conversation. These practices are grounded in Appreciative Inquiry, a widely used approach for generating positive change.
Format: 4-week virtual workshop that consists of weekly live virtual group discussions followed by homework to do on your own each week.
Core Classroom Class Schedule/Outline:
Week 1: Monday, April 4 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Power of Conversation: Understand the nature of our conversations, how they affect human being and doing, and develop your ability to choose.
Week 2: Monday, April 11 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The Art of Asking Questions: Understand the basics of Appreciative Inquiry and improve your ability to ask generative questions to foster effective communication.
Week 3: Monday, April 18 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Intentional Framing: Use positive framing to intentionally foster effective communication and continue to develop your ability to ask generative questions.
Week 4: Monday, April 25 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Step up to Feedback: Develop the skill and the motivation to routinely seek out feedback and promptly provide effective feedback, even in the most critical of situations.
Pre-reading:
It is recommended that participants read the book “Conversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful Engagement” by Jacqueline Stavros and Cheri Torres.
Course Weekly Module Overview:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sf50acn5kt2kdrn/3.17.22%20CWHFLL-Manual-Full2021.pdf?dl=0
Classroom Objectives:
At the end of this classroom, attendees will be able to:
- Be able to use generative questions to shift the dynamics of personal and workplace communication problems.
- Experience flipping negative conversations to conversations worth having.
- Be able to use effective feedback strategies with common workplace situations.
Format:
Students have 24/7 access to the class site for the duration of the class, and aside from assignment deadlines, the work can be completed at their own pace. Presenters will have office hours to provide guidance and feedback as students work their way through the material. The following list of live virtual discussion sessions, moderated by the presenters are the only live class events. All registrants must be able to attend the live zoom sessions and complete the assignments to receive the certificate of completion.
· Monday, April 4, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Central Time
· Monday, April 11, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Central Time
· Monday, April 18, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Central Time
· Monday, April 25, 1:00pm – 2:30pm Central Time
Presenter:
Michelle Bradley is a Certified “Conversations Worth Having Trainer.” https://conversationsworthhaving.today/certified-cwh-trainers/. She is also a certified Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator through the Center for Appreciative Inquiry https://www.centerforappreciativeinquiry.net/directory/mbradley/
and holds a certificate in Creating Positive Change from the Change Lab, as well as a certificate in Creating Wellbeing and PERMAH Survey Accreditation from the Wellbeing Lab. She has more than 25 years of professional experience in libraries working in various capacities, including as a public library director and as the Manager for Engagement, Consulting and Training with the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services. She is currently the Director of Consulting at OhioNet. Michelle’s educational background includes a B.A. in Advertising from Purdue University, a Master’s in Library Science from Indiana University, and a Graduate Certificate in Public Management from IUPUI’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs.
Registration:
Online: Complete the individual webinar online registration form. Sessions are listed by date, and you must log in.
By phone: 1-800-545-2433 (press 1 to reach our customer service representatives)
By mail: To register by check or purchase order, please email registration@ala.org. Our registration department will send you a registration form.
Core Code of Conduct: Please review the Statement of Conduct before registering.
Tech Requirements:
A high-speed connection and headphones are recommended.
For questions about registration: contact ALA Registration at 1-800-545-2433 and press 1 or email registration@ala.org.
For questions or comments, please contact Tom Ferren, Core Program Officer at tferren@ala.org.
