Communication & Relationship Management

For people to work effectively together; whether on a project; as colleagues within an organization; or as counterparts on either side of a negotiation, their communication must be good enough for them to understand each other. And their working relationships must at least be good enough for them to accept each other. But what does this mean in practice?

On Communication

Common communication issues that hinder effective cooperation include avoidance of topics, cultural differences, arguing (to win) instead of listening (to understand), partisan perceptions and bias, use of euphemism, and making assumptions about meaning or intent. Misunderstanding can be costly. Arguments can escalate easily is not addressed constructively. Difficult conversations avoided seldom make a situation better.

Sea-Change experts can help you become a better communicator and develop the communication skills and tools to work effectively with others and to help your teams do so.

How we can help you:

• Practical skills training in communication skills
• Training and practice in dealing with common communication challenges
• Advice for preparing for and conducting difficult conversations
• Executive coaching in dealing with communication challenges

On Relationships

Whenever people work together, they will discover that they have different opinions and different ideas on how best to proceed. All work involving people; whether in negotiations, in collaboration on tasks, or making group decisions, will generate some friction. Even people with the best relationships will experience challenges. And, when most people work with others, they focus much more on the tasks than they do on the toll the work might be taking on their relationships. Sometimes the friction comes from differences of opinion; sometimes it results from a clash of styles, egos, or personalities.

If relationship issues are left either unaddressed, or if they are poorly dealt with, a relationship can become like an engine that runs too long without oil. It will, inevitably, overheat or break down.

Sea-Change experts have decades of experience helping people to constructively and effectively address issues they face in their relationships; from work-related frustration, to violent conflicts.

How we can help you:

• Practical skills training in cohesion and relationship-building
• Mediation to address conflict in relationships
• Facilitation of conversations to reduce friction
• Facilitation of reconciliation

Better Relationships. Better Understanding

Sea-Change helps our clients to build, manage, and — where necessary — repair important relationships.  And we provide expertise both in Strategic Communication and Interpersonal Communication