Workplace Conversations: The Essentials
Welcome - In this course you will get immediate, full access to the six modules with activities and downloadable templates. You will also get immediate access to the Facebook members only site where we share learnings, ask questions and seek support in our quest to enhance our communication skills.
In this course participants will strengthen their communication capabilities by understanding how conversations influence and inform workplace cultures, how building team collaboration and psychological safety involves having conversations that are ‘above the line’, how intent and impact can be very different things, and how who you are - your profession for example - directly impacts your communication behaviour.
From these concepts alone, we can see that communication is NOT a soft skill - it is complex, and the more we are informed, the more effective our communication can be.
Course Learning Outcomes (approx. 2.5 hrs of learning):
Recognise how conversations shape and reflect workplace culture and apply this understanding to foster more inclusive and collaborative environments.
Identify “above the line” communication behaviours that support psychological safety and effective team collaboration.
Distinguish between intent and impact in communication and develop strategies to navigate misunderstandings with empathy and accountability.
Reflect on how personal and professional identity influences communication style and adapt approaches to better connect across diverse teams.
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Chapter 1
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Lesson 1: Welcome
Effective communication is the foundation of a healthy and high-performing workplace. This course introduces the essential concepts that shape how we interact, collaborate, and build trust with others. From understanding intent versus impact to exploring how social identity influences dialogue, each module will help you develop the awareness and skills needed for more meaningful and productive conversations at work.
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Lesson 2: Conversations & Workplace Culture
Workplace culture and conversations are deeply interconnected. The way people communicate—formally and informally—shapes the norms, values, and behaviours within a team or organisation. At the same time, the existing culture influences how open, respectful, and inclusive those conversations can be. Understanding this dynamic helps teams foster environments where trust, collaboration, and psychological safety can thrive.
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Chapter 2
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Lesson 3: Above and Below the Line
In every workplace, conversations can either build connection or create division. This lesson explores how to recognise the difference, shift toward more productive dialogue, and create a culture where people feel safe to speak up and listen.
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Lesson 4: Intent verses Impact
In every workplace interaction, what we intend to communicate doesn’t always match how it’s received. This lesson explores the critical distinction between intent—what we mean—and impact—how our words or actions affect others. Understanding this difference is essential for building trust, resolving misunderstandings, and fostering a culture of psychological safety. By becoming more aware of impact, teams can communicate with greater empathy and accountability.
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Chapter 3
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Lesson 5: Who you are Matters
Our social identities—such as gender, profession, seniority, culture, and more—shape how we see the world and how we communicate within it. In the workplace, these identities influence how messages are sent, received, and interpreted. This lesson explores how understanding social identity can help teams communicate more effectively, reduce misunderstandings, and create a more inclusive and psychologically safe environment.
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Lesson 6: The Wrap Up
Bringing of the concepts together.
Evaluation and Certificate of completion.
Course references
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