Effective communication is the foundation of success at work. It enables individuals and organizations to:

• Achieve their goals
• Foster positive relationships
• Navigate challenges effectively

Being an effective communicator means knowing yourself and how to expertly navigate conversations. Effective communicators use strategies that cut through assumptions, clarify needs and expectations and maximize group productivity. This course will explore communication in the workplace through the  Straight Talk® system developed by communications expert and organizational leadership consultant Eric Douglas. It is part of the Leadership Development Curriculum.

You will learn to:

• Define the four Straight Talk® styles and the strengths, weaknesses, similarities and differences among them
• Identify your unique Straight Talk® profile and determine how it contributes to your success
• Determine practical ways to effectively adapt your style to improve your communication with others

You will benefit by:

• Increasing your self-awareness, personal productivity and efficiency by using more effective communication with others
• Decreasing or even eliminating conflicts that naturally occur from individual differences in style
• Enhancing your ability to work collaboratively with others 

Audience:

Any U-M faculty or staff member interested in developing their communication skills to be more effective and successful in their role