Preparing for a Successful Conversation
A methodical process to be at your best and get results
Have you put a tough conversation on the back burner, but you know it really needs to happen? Perhaps it's a performance review that you know won't go well. Or a relationship talk you've been dreading. Maybe it's a family intervention you and your siblings have been talking about. Whatever the topic, and whatever the stress you have around it, we can help!
This course is a self-guided collection of short videos, exercises, and written materials outlining a methodical preparation process through which you'll learn how to:
1. get clarity about your goals and objectives for the conversation;
2. prepare for the emotional impact;
3. frame the discussion and environment for peak effectiveness; and
4. plan for when things go well, and when they don't.
Video 1: Gaining Clarity for Yourself (Approx 20 minutes)
What do you want to talk about? Is there more than one topic? Would it
be helpful if you had support (like reports, statistics, or reviews)?
What are your goals for conversation? What does success mean?
(Self-Guided Homework Assignment #1)
Video 2: Mapping the Conversation and Creating a Decision Tree (Approx 20 minutes)
Do you have a tense history with this person? Are there triggering
topics? How will this conversation impact your relationship? Will it
have an impact on other people? We'll also talk about how to anticipate questions and craft
responses that provide answers and stay on message.
(Self-Guided Homework Assignment #2)
Video 3: Framing to Meet Them Where They Are (Approx 15 minutes)
How does this person best receive information? We'll talk about everything from tone and timing to location.
(Self-Guided Homework Assignment #3)
Suitable for personal and workplace (leaders, managers, directors, C-Suite) discussions.
Your Instructor
Genesis Fisher is the founder and Principal Attorney of Fisher Law Practice, P.C. which provides onsite conflict resolution to help businesses and NGOs deal with tough issues and keep employees focused on work, not office disputes. Miscommunication and allegations of discrimination (race, gender, lgbtq) or sexual misconduct can tear teams apart. Through mediation, one-on-one coaching, and conflict resolution training, she gets people talking so they can share their frustrations, address differences and repair trust. Her workshops have helped over 2000 people in six countries communicate better and create effective solutions.
Ms. Fisher is the Director of the Mediation Clinic at New York Law School. She is a Certified Mediator, member of the Eastern District of New York Mediation Panel and the immediate past President of the Board Directors for the Association for Conflict Resolution, Greater New York.
Prior to starting the firm, Ms. Fisher spent eight years fighting for the rights of indigent clients as a public defender with the Legal Aid Society. Ms. Fisher started her legal career at the Southern Poverty Law Center, where she worked on national civil rights issues and Alabama jail and women's prison reform.
Ms. Fisher graduated from Smith College and New York University School of Law.Course Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
Fisher Law Practice helps businesses and orgs create healthier workplaces by addressing office disputes. Through mediation, facilitated dialogues, coaching, and employee workshops, we get people talking and help repair trust. We also help couples and co-founders separate respectfully.
Need more help? reach out to us at [email protected]