MASTERING DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
Learn the critical leadership skills you need to confidently manage difficult conversations.
Mastering Difficult Conversations is a five module, self-paced course designed to take you from delaying and struggling with a difficult conversation to being able to start it, keep it on track and guide it to a productive result.
I'm an executive coach to leaders in the tech industry. Every single one of my clients at some point wrestles with a difficult conversation. And as a leader in startups for twenty years, I've had plenty of discussions that didn't go the way I expected or wanted.
This course distills my experience, my reading and learning to provide you with the tools that work. I keep the teaching direct and practical, and the exercises challenging to make sure you practice what you're learning as you take the course.
“The single biggest illusion in communication is the illusion that it has taken place”
A COURSE IN FIVE MODULES
01
WHAT MAKES A CONVERSATION DIFFICULT?
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Learn how to spot the underlying dynamics that are making the conversation "difficult" (what are the emotional stakes?) so you can move ahead with the right conversation.
02
HAVE THE CONVERSATION!
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Stop delaying (usually mistake #1)! Understand the common barriers to having difficult conversations ("Fear of the Bad Thing", and "The Fools Choice"), and the tools you need to overcome them.
03
BEFORE YOU BEGIN THE CONVERSATION
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Learn what to look for in your "going in position": how your intentions, stories ("they're just wrong!") and expectations can set yourself up for success (or failure) before you start.
04
STAYING "ABOVE THE LINE"
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Now we've started talking! We'll cover the toolkit you'll need to keep the conversation stable and productive ("above the line"), even when emotions are running high.
05
TRUST AND "DIFFICULT PEOPLE"
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Learn why saying (or even thinking) "I don't trust you" is so damaging, and how a deeper understanding of "trust"can lead to much stronger relationships and consistently productive outcomes.
WHAT'S IN THE COURSE
Twenty-five video segments teaching practical, proven tools from a lifetime of mangement experience and leadership coaching.
Homework exercises to promote reflection and practice so you actively build your skils.
A workbook for completing and tracking self-driven exercises to deepen your learning
Access to an ongoing online community of leaders and learners in the tech industry.
EARLY 2021 BONUS: access to TWO group coaching sessions specifically on Difficult Conversations with Joe Dunn, a leading Silicon Valley Executive Coach.
ABOUT ME
I'm Joe Dunn.
I joined my first startup before college, my second immediately after graduating, and never left the startup world through my operating career from junior engineer to SVP at a successful public company.
If you are at any stage of growth from Series A to a public company, I've been there.
In the current phase of my career, I coach startup leaders in San Francisco and worldwide, guiding them through the journey of scaling and growth.
Jean-Denis Greze,
Head of Eng, Plaid
My growth as a leader has benefited tremendously from Joe's coaching.
I recommend Joe to leaders of any level who want to make a step function change in their leadership capabilities.
Hollie Wegman, Technology Marketing Leader
As an experienced Marketing exec, Joe was a joy to work with.
I would strongly recommend him as a coach if you are looking to scale your executive presence and leadership.
Tido Carriero, Chief Product Development Officer at Segment
I worked with Joe as I began my VP Eng role at Segment. He was incredibly helpful in solving some of the most challenging problems I was facing.
If you get a chance to work with him, you should do it!
Larry Gadea, Founder and CEO, Envoy
I’ve loved working with Joe. I know that I can always count on him when having any form of management questions or ‘is this normal’ scenarios that come in my Founder/CEO position at Envoy.
I’d definitely recommend anybody going through extreme company growth to consider him — he’ll just make it that much easier!