
Course Overview
In technical environments, communication breakdowns can derail projects, strain teams, and lead to costly misunderstandings. This course introduces a structured approach to workplace conversations, helping participants align on business outcomes, manage emotional triggers, and communicate with clarity and confidence. Through real-world examples and a step-by-step model (5S-5F-3A), attendees will gain tools to navigate difficult discussions, resolve conflict, and lead with influence.
Learning Outcomes
- Apply a structured model (5S-5F-3A) to plan and deliver high-stakes conversations.
- Recognize emotional triggers and use recovery techniques to keep conversations on track.
- Use storytelling, questioning, and listening skills to align conversations with business goals.
Who Should Attend?
- Engineers and technical professionals aspiring to leadership roles
- Project managers and team leads working across disciplines
- Experienced managers seeking to improve communication and conflict resolution
Additional Information
This course is part of the Technical Leadership Certificate. Course may be taken individually as well.
Course Outline
Establishing a mutual goal
- Getting aligned to a shared business outcome
- Eliminating detracting secondary goals
Recognizing what makes a conversation emotional
- Trigger words to avoid
- The role of unshared context
Understanding the advanced 5S-5F-3A communication model
- Critical elements of advanced communications
Making it emotionally safe to speak the brutal truth
- Advanced conversation skills, including listening and questioning
Mastering storytelling
- Understanding the games we play
- Defusing the games they play
Difficult conversations—dealing with the really tough cases
- Dealing with high conflict situations
- What to do when things go badly
- Toolkit of opening and recovery phases
Closing well – Getting agreed outcome and action plan
Instructor
Trevor Manning
Trevor Manning is an accomplished author, leaderhsip consultant, and trainer with extensive international experience leading technical teams. He has held roles such as chief engineer, technical director, Chief Operating Officer, and board advisor.
With a diverse background spanning various companites including a large government-owned utility, a US-headquartered manufacturer, an international London headquartered start-up, and a privately owned telecommunications operator, Trevor offers valuable insights into real-world business operations.
Trevor leads three training courses at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, focusing on practical insights derived from his wealth of experience.
Effectively Managing Technical Teams
Leadership Beyond Your Team: Managing Up and Across
Critical Conversations: Results-based Communication
Trevor has published several technical and leadership books and lives in Brisbane, Australia.
Upcoming dates
Critical Conversations Results-based Communication
Location: Madison, WI or Live Online
Course #: RA01567-D360
Fee: $1,695
interpro.wisc.edu/RA01567
Fee
- $1,695
-
In-Person fee covers morning and afternoon breaks, scheduled lunches and course materials.
Online fee covers online course materials and instruction.
Discounts
10% discount per person for participants registered in the Technical Leadership Certificate series. Promo code needed during registration.
Credits
- CEU: 1.4
- PDH: 14
Schedule
Registration Date/Time:
10/1/2025 7:30am Central Time
Event Dates/Times:
- 10/1/2025 8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time
- 10/2/2025 8:00am - 4:30pm Central Time
Course Notes
Purchase of the Help! I Need to Master Critical Conversations book is strongly recommended. The book can be purchased here.
Instructor
Trevor Manning
Location
Accommodations
Room: rates start at $185
Reserve by: Sep. 9, 2025
Topic:
Cancellation Policy
If you cannot attend, please notify us by no later than one week before your course begins, and we will refund your fee. Because this course has limited enrollment, cancellation received after this date and no-shows are subject to the full course fee. You may enroll a substitute at any time before the course starts. Once you have accessed the online course, exam and/or materials, no cancellations or refunds are permitted.