Workshop
Can you hear me? Techniques to have better conversations
Stuart Pates
Effective communication is critical in today’s hybrid work environments, yet many teams struggle to be heard, particularly when operating across different locations and languages.
In my life I have had many roles: Test Manager, Foster Carer, Sports Coach, Husband, Father, Quizmaster as a few but only once in all of this time have I been given any training on having good conversations, and that was a part of a better parenting class!
Talking and listening are not taught in schools but are fundamental to everything we do.
I was away from my role for 6 weeks due to needing a pacemaker, on my return the feedback I received was about the quality of the work but the way in which my teams communicated with others, looking back it was also the cause for 60% of the escalations prior to my absence.
“Your team are not visible”
“Why don’t they say anything”
“If your not going to add any value why are you attending the stand-up?”
“I am having to drive all of the discussion, do your team understand the technology?”
These statements are common across all disciplines and teams especially when new technologies are introduced, once a negative perception is reached things tend to go in a negative direction.
It doesn’t matter have technically brilliant your workforce is if they can’t communicate effectively their value is reduced. So why isn’t this higher in the learning agenda?
This talk addresses the common challenges of communication breakdowns providing practical strategies to foster meaningful dialogue. Providing understanding how culture, individual preference and upbringing impact styles which is exacerbated by an offshore/onshore divide.
Let me share with you how I have made meaningful progress by imparting simple conversation skills that have uplifted the culture of the projects, the feeling of wellbeing of individuals across the workforce, enabled apprentices to accelerate their integration and increased the teams technical knowledge.
Join me to empower your team to communicate effectively and confidently, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
Covered within the talk
- Interactive breathing exercise
- Communication Barriers
- Conversation structure
- Having difficult conversations
- Active Listening Awareness
If this tract is early in the conference agenda delegates will take what they have learned to have better conversations and enhance their individual conference experience & as a collective we all benefit.
- Display active listening skills. Articulating responses that validate others, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration, even when lacking expertise in certain topics.
- Analyse the factors contributing to ineffective communication.
- Integrating a conversation structure in group meetings, individuals & difficult conversations with serial complainers, transforming negativity into constructive outcomes.
SPeaker Bio
Stuart Pates is an award-winning Senior Quality Engineer with extensive management experience across various IT sectors, including Insurance, Retail, Finance, Digital Television, and Scientific Equipment. Over the past six years at Aviva, Stuart has achieved numerous notable accomplishments, such as successfully delivering IFRS17 and overseeing the largest migration in Aviva’s history.
Stuart is passionate about coaching and enabling individuals to excel. He has built high-performing, diverse test teams around the globe, focusing on the unique value each individual brings. His experience as a foster parent and youth sports coach adds a layer of empathy, simplicity and honesty to his presentation style.