START USING CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS TODAY!

Congrats on completing your Crucial Conversations^® Training! Of course, the skills really pay off as you apply them. Remember, even just one or two skills used in the right moment can have a disproportionate impact on results and relationships.

Review the resources on this site to help you use and hone your Crucial Conversations skills.

Please note: These resources are only for those who have completed the Crucial Conversations Training by VitalTalent.

STORY—LAUNCH COMPROMISED

Joseph Grenny tells a story about how a culture of silence can jeopardize even the most high stakes issues—like a spaceship launch.

STORY—INVADING VIRUS

Crucial Conversations co-author Joseph Grenny shares a story about speaking truth to power when stakes couldn’t be higher.

ARTICLES FROM THE CRUCIAL SKILLS BLOG

The Silent Spouse:
Crucial Conversations co-author Al Switzler gives advice on what to do when your spouse avoids talking about a tough issue.

Using CPR to Save Relationships:
Crucial Conversations co-author Al Switzler gives advice for how to confront someone about a deep-seated issue if you didn’t speak up about it the first few times it happened.

DEGRADING MOTIVES

Jackie and Cragun are discussing whether or not to update an infrastructure. They both want to do what’s best for the company. Watch as their motives change.

IF YOU DON’T TALK IT OUT…

Watch this funny example of Scott saying one thing to his manager, but holding onto the truth in his “Left-hand Column.”

ARTICLES FROM THE CRUCIAL SKILLS BLOG

Feasting with Unruly Relatives:
Crucial Conversations co-author Joseph Grenny shares some wisdom about tough conversations with family during the holidays.

Delivering Tough Performance Feedback:
Crucial Conversations co-author Joseph Grenny talks about how to reenergize an employee whose performance has become “half-hearted.”

THE GREY FEDORA

Crucial Conversations co-author Kerry Patterson shares a story from his childhood about the love he had for his grandfather and how mistaken identity changed his view about those around him for the rest of his life.

WHAT IS MASTER MY STORIES ALL ABOUT?

In this 10-minute overview, Master Trainer Cricket Buchler shares the essence of the Master My Stories skills.

ARTICLES FROM THE CRUCIAL SKILLS BLOG

Bosses Behaving Badly:
Crucial Conversations co-author Joseph Grenny gives some insights for how to address a boss who is acting in negative ways.

Neigborhood Stories:
Crucial Conversations co-author Al Switzler talks about how to “undo” a story that another person might have about you.

Avoiding Angel Stories:
Crucial Conversations co-author Kerry Patterson talks about how telling “angel stories” can actually make harder to address issues and get to dialogue.

THE ACCUSATION (BAD EXAMPLE)

Let’s take a look at a conversation between two coworkers. Jordan is going to draw an ugly conclusion about Trenton. Let’s watch his first try at the conversation. Hint: He’s going to do a poor job.

THE ACCUSATION (GOOD EXAMPLE)

Let’s watch Jordan do a better job. What makes this approach more effective?

ARTICLES FROM THE CRUCIAL SKILLS BLOG

Solving Communications Problems at Work:
Crucial Conversations author Al Switzler gives advice about how to help managers communicate better with their entire team.

Accountability or Forgiveness:
Crucial Conversations author Kerry Patterson talks about how to address performance concerns with people in a volunteer capacity.

DO YOU SEE SILENCE AND VIOLENCE?

Let’s watch a team have a pretty high-stakes conversation. What forms of silence and violence do you see?

THE CONVERSATION TURNS CRUCIAL

Michelle speaks in a way that offends Danor. What are the signs that he doesn’t feel safe?

ARTICLES FROM THE CRUCIAL SKILLS BLOG

Style Under Stress for Teams:
Crucial Conversations author Ron McMillan shares some wisdom about how a team can learn from each others Styler Under Stress score.

Q&A Are you being passive agressive?
Crucial Conversations Master Trainer Steve Willis talks about where passive aggressive behaviors fall on the “silence to violence” continuum.

MUTUAL RESPECT AT RISK

Let’s watch Melanie and Rick discuss a staffing decision. In what ways is mutual respect violated?

MUTUAL RESPECT RESTORED

Let’s go back to Melanie and Rick. What steps does Rick take to restore mutual respect in the conversation.

CREATING MUTUAL PURPOSE (BAD EXAMPLE)

Let’s watch an interaction between Trenton and Suzie. What are some of the mistakes Suzie makes that drives them further into cross purposes?

ARTICLES FROM THE CRUCIAL SKILLS BLOG

Being at Odds with Your Spouse:
Crucial Conversations Master Trainer Emily Gregory talks about how to find common ground with a spouse when your views are at odds.

Balancing Safety in a Group:
Crucial Conversations author Joseph Grenny gives advice about how to create safety in group conversations.

AMPP FOR VIOLENCE AS WELL AS SILENCE

Melanie is angry with her peer Jordan. She’s upset about what just took place in a meeting. Watch as Jordan uses his AMPP skills to deal with violence.