Change the Conversation (program)

Developing practical dialogue and related capabilities for high-stakes situations

Change the Conversation is a flexible learning experience to help leaders and professionals think more clearly, work more constructively with others, and engage difficult issues with greater confidence.

At its core is a self-paced online learning program introducing practical ways of observing more carefully, understanding others more deeply, and actively practising dialogue in pressing situations.

The program is available in healthcare and general business versions, and can be adapted for other sectors.

Organisations can use the program in different ways. Participants can simply complete the online learning independently, or combine it with facilitated workshops to deepen application with actual issues they face. Internal facilitators can be developed to continue supporting learning beyond the initial implementation, and scenarios can be tailored to your organisation’s needs.

Whether used as a standalone learning resource or integrated into existing leadership development programs, Change the Conversation helps the organisation build practical capability that can continue to grow in everyday work.

Change the Conversation

Flexible Program Arrangements and Delivery

Change the Conversation is designed to be used in ways that suit the varied needs of organisations, including self-paced learning modules, learning supported by workshops and building internal facilitator capability.


Self-paced Learning

Individuals complete the online learning (2.5-3.0 hours of punchy and engaging and modules) at a pace that suits them, reflecting on their own workplace experiences and experimenting with the practices in everyday situations.

This approach works well for organisations seeking an accessible development opportunity that participants can undertake independently.


Learning Supported by Workshops

These workshops, which can be tailored to different lengths, allow participants to explore significant issues together, practise the approaches introduced online, learn from one another’s experiences and consider how the ideas apply within their organisational context.

Workshops can be incorporated into leadership programs, management development initiatives, or broader organisational learning activities.


Building Internal Capability

Internal facilitators can be developed to learn how to guide workshops, support reflective dialogue and help colleagues apply the practices in their own work.

In this way, the organisation is advancing internal capability that can continue to support leadership development well beyond the initial implementation.


A practical approach

Throughout the program, the emphasis remains firmly on practice, with participants working with realistic workplace situations. As they do, they gradually develop greater capacity to:

• Notice what is actually happening before jumping to conclusions

• Explore different perspectives with curiosity rather than judgment

• Contribute more openly and constructively to important conversations

• Remain thoughtful when situations become uncertain or emotionally demanding

• Help others think together about complex organisational challenges.

The aim is to develop ways of thinking and engaging that continue to strengthen through ongoing use.

Whether adopted as self-paced learning, combined with facilitated workshops, or embedded through internal facilitator development, Change the Conversation helps organisations build clarity of thinking and constructive engagement, especially when the pressure is on.

For an obligation-free chat about the program, contact Don Dunoon (see “Contact” link below). Don can also arrange for you to view some of the modules.

Find Out More

To discuss any of these ways in which we might work together, please get in touch. Don Dunoon is happy to meet with you for an obligation-free 30-minute session to discuss your needs and possible ways forward.