Wandering Workshops
Wandering Workshops offer a unique opportunity for our campus community to engage in free, dynamic sessions led by Peer-2-Peer (P2P) Facilitators. These workshops, lasting 45-90 minutes, are designed to help participants explore a variety of topics and tools, fostering the development of skills that can be immediately applied in their work environments. Our P2P Facilitators are alumni of Leading Others, Management Intensive and Workplace Skills and bring firsthand experience to each session. While they may not be traditional subject matter experts, their real-world insights and applications make these workshops both relevant and impactful.
Hosting a Wandering Workshop is easy! If you're interested in bringing this valuable resource to your team, simply complete our request form below. A member of the Organizational Development & Talent Management team will reach out to assist you in planning your session. As a host, you will need to provide:
- a space with moveable tables and chairs
- a computer and projector with sound
- workshop supplies (a list will be provided by the facilitator)
- refreshments (optional)
Join us in creating a vibrant learning environment that enhances collaboration and growth within our community!
Wandering Workshops Sessions
Unpacking Untested Assumptions
~60 minutes
Uncover the power of perception and bias. Discover how assumptions can influence our relationships and personal interactions. This workshop will focus on how shifting attention can help us to be more effective in relationships.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain how our ladders of inference affect perception
- Describe the rungs of the ladder of inference
- Rethink a situation using the ladder of inference
The Power of Powerful Open Questions
~45-60 minutes
Inquiry is key to effective communication. When we inquire using Powerful Open Questions (POQs), we show genuine curiosity about the (whole) person with whom we are engaged. The non-judgemental and exploratory nature of POQs sets the stage for mutual understanding and collaborative thinking. In this workshop, participants will experiment with this pragmatic tool and leave better equipped to invite others into generative conversations.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe key elements of a Powerful Open Question (POQ)
- Use POQs in conversation
- Identify opportunities to use POQs in their own context
Roots of Conflict
~45-60 minutes
In times of conflict, our assumptions can inhibit clear communication. Judgments and biases can seep into our interactions, increasing distance between ourselves and others. This workshop will address how to consciously express ourselves without charged, assumption-filled language, enhancing our chances of being truly heard and fostering genuine understanding.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Practice expressing yourself more effectively
- Understand how to neutralize inflammatory language when communicating in conflict
- Discern “weeds” from “roots” in conflict
Embracing Change: Cultivating a Growth Mindset
~45-60 minutes
The right mindset is crucial in effectively navigating change. Being aware of how our thoughts can influence our actions and reactions in a time of uncertainty can help us shift our attitude from one of avoidance to optimism. This workshop will offer participants an opportunity to examine their own personal/professional changes from a growth mindset.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain the difference between a fixed and a growth mindset
- Describe an upcoming personal or professional change from a growth mindset
Clarifying Expectations
~45-60 minutes
Explore how perception and bias shape our communication, self-expression and relationships. This workshop will guide participants in clarifying their own expectations and those of others, identifying tensions that need to be resolved.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain how our “ladders of inference” can create communication and collaboration challenges
- Use the Absolute Framing tool to clarify expectations -- their own and other peoples’
Building Trust
~90 minutes
Trust is essential for effective collaboration and communication in teams, fostering authenticity, respect and accountability. It encourages openness, risk-taking and mutual support. This workshop will translate trust into actionable behaviors and encourage participants to practice new techniques.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand the importance of trust
- Explain the 6C’s of building trust
- Choose a specific action or behaviour to try out with a person you are having a conflict with, to build more trust in the relationship.
The Art of Listening
~45-60 minutes
Effective communication and collaboration hinges on our ability to listen. This workshop will teach participants how to actively listen, interpret both verbal and nonverbal cues and respond appropriately. Participants will learn how to create an environment that fosters trust and safety by mastering different listening techniques, tailored to various situations.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Describe three focuses for your listening
- Practice consciously choosing what to focus on when listening to others
Understanding and Adapting Your Conflict Style
~80-90 minutes
To better manage conflict, we must first understand our own default conflict style and its strengths and weaknesses. In this workshop, participants will explore various conflict styles, analyze how different styles might interact and consider how to adapt. Participants will have the opportunity to practice a non-default conflict style in a challenging situation.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Reflect on personal conflict preferences using Thomas Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument
- Plan and practice conflict conversations
- Produce a plan for conflict going forward
Difficult Conversations
~80-90 minutes
Discover the challenges of difficult conversations and learn how to approach them with confidence and safety. This workshop provides practical opportunities to practice handling tough discussions, boosting confidence to apply these skills in real-life situations.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain key concepts involved in difficult conversations
- Use templates to prepare for planning and execution of difficult conversations
- Plan and practice strategic conversation skills
Elements of Successful Collaboration
~80-90 minutes
Collaboration is often a key aspect of our work, but it can be challenging. This workshop will examine essential elements of successful collaboration and provide hands-on practice with various tools designed to enhance your collaborative skills.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define collaboration
- Explain four key components of successful collaboration
- Experience a collaborative effort and utilize skills for effective collaboration
Feedback & Radical Candor
~90 minutes
Effective communication and positive relationships hinge on giving and receiving feedback. This workshop will delve into the Radical Candor Model and provide participants with hands-on practice in delivering timely, specific and balanced feedback.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explore the importance of feedback
- Use the reflective feedback model
- Produce a plan for giving and receiving feedback with grace
One-on-Ones (O3s)
~60 minutes
O3s connect supervisors and their direct reports, ensuring that employees feel valued and heard and that there is alignment of expectations. Regular meetings can help to identify issues and opportunities early. In this workshop, participants will learn a suggested O3 structure and practice effective development conversations to help managers focus conversations on employee’s career growth, skill enhancement and professional development within the organization .
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Hold an O3 conversation
- Explain the 3E model for team development
Intentional Team Development
~ 75 minutes
Successful teams follow a predictable development pattern and staying at the peak is almost impossible. This workshop will explore the stages of team development from multiple perspectives and focus on strategies for building, re-building and maintaining engagement within teams.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define the characteristics of unstoppable teams
- Analyze states of team development in relation to their teams
- Explore the impact of engagement and psychological safety on teams
Ideal Team Player
~ 75 minutes
According to Patrick Lencioni (2016), Ideal Team Players possess the characteristics of being “humble”, “hungry” and (people) “smart.” In this session, participants will consider their contributions according to each category and make a plan to enhance their teamwork skills.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Define the characteristics of outstanding team members
- Consider your strengths and challenges as a team contributor
- Explore the value of team member engagement
Developing a 90 Day Plan
~ 75 minutes
A 90-Day Plan creates an accountable environment by setting clear goals, responsibilities, and expectations while aligning with organizational objectives. It serves as a central reference for objectives and key deliverables. In this workshop, participants will learn how to prepare and effectively use a 90-Day Plan.
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Explain how the 90-day plan supports employee performance
- Draft a 90-day plan for a team member or for themselves