Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification Program

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Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification Program

Get Certified.
A Three-Day Experience.

Get Certified.

A Three-Day Experience.

The Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification Program empowers organizations to build internal capacity for engaging in effective dialogue across differences.

Today more than ever, leaders and employees alike must have the skills and competencies to engage in dialogue on historically polarizing and “off-limits” topics. Whether leaders like it or not, employees are talking about and thinking about the issues of the day impacting employees’ level of productivity, engagement, and psychological safety.

This highly interactive, skill building learning experience will leverage the methods shared in the timely We Can’t Talk About That At Work! How to Talk About Race, Religion, Politics, and Other Polarizing Topics by Mary-Frances Winters and provide facilitators with the content, tools, and competencies necessary to strengthen their organization’s capacity to engage in Bold, Inclusive Conversations®. This program is delivered as a public offering and private client engagement.

Already a Certified Facilitator and Licensed Organization? Access resources here.

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Throughout this experience, you will…

  • Learn the content, tools and competencies necessary to strengthen your capacity to facilitate and engage in Bold, Inclusive Conversations®.
  • Understand the model for engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® as outlined in We Can’t Talk About That at Work!
  • Understand the sociopolitical climate and the impact on the workplace.
  • Enhance facilitation skills necessary for cross-cultural conversations and polarizing topics.
  • Enhance self-understanding and awareness of your potential blind spots.
  • Connect the learning to organizational objectives (e.g. “bring your whole self to work,” empathy, creating an inclusive culture)
  • Practice facilitating Bold, Inclusive Conversations® content.

Purpose of the Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Program….

This program is not a ‘check the box,’ ‘one-and-done’ training. It is not a ‘deep dive’ on specific areas of diversity or polarizing topics.

This program is a starting point in equipping you (or your organization) with the skills and competencies for engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations®. It is a blueprint and model for facilitating dialogue across cultural differences.

Additional Program Information:

  • This program is approved for SHRM recertification credits.
  • Individuals may attend this session for information purposes only (not intending on providing training to anyone else) or to be certified as a trainer/facilitator.
  • Those trained as trainers/facilitators in this course may only train employees of the same organization.
  • A licensing fee and agreement applies for those conducting training within their organization utilizing The Winters Group’s copyrighted content.
  • Participants will be required to attend all 3 days in full to receive certification.
  • Cancellations must be communicated by phone.

Additional Program Information:

  • This program is approved for SHRM recertification credits.
  • Individuals may attend this session for information purposes only (not intending on providing training to anyone else) or to be certified as a trainer/facilitator.
  • Those trained as trainers/facilitators in this course may only train employees of the same organization.
  • A licensing fee and agreement applies for those conducting training within their organization utilizing The Winters Group’s copyrighted content.
  • Participants will be required to attend all 3 days in full to receive certification.
  • Cancellations must be communicated by phone.

Who is this program for?

Organization Leaders

Trainers

D&I Practitioners

Who is this program for?

Organization Leaders

Trainers

D&I Practitioners

Day

1

What is a Bold, Inclusive Conversations® and How Do I Learn to Engage In and Facilitate Them?

  • Learn the distinction between Bold, Inclusive Conversations® and other types of difficult conversations
  • Explore the psychological, sociological and historical implications that make Bold, Inclusive Conversations® so difficult
  • Examine other popular dialogue models and their applicability in conducting Bold, Inclusive Conversations®
  • Enhance self-understanding and use of self in facilitating Bold, Inclusive Conversations®

Day 1

What is a Bold, Inclusive Conversations® and How Do I Learn to Engage In and Facilitate Them?

  • Learn the distinction between Bold, Inclusive Conversations® and other types of difficult conversations
  • Explore the psychological, sociological and historical implications that make Bold, Inclusive Conversations® so difficult
  • Examine other popular dialogue models and their applicability in conducting Bold, Inclusive Conversations®
  • Enhance self-understanding and use of self in facilitating Bold, Inclusive Conversations®

Day

2

Bold, Inclusive Conversations®: The Model

  • Learn the theory behind the Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Model
  • Understand the practical application of each stage of the Model
  • Learn unique facilitation techniques for Bold, Inclusive Conversations®
  • Explore your own readiness to facilitate Bold, Inclusive Conversations®

Day 2

Bold, Inclusive Conversations®: The Model

  • Learn the theory behind the Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Model
  • Understand the practical application of each stage of the Model
  • Learn unique facilitation techniques for Bold, Inclusive Conversations®
  • Explore your own readiness to facilitate Bold, Inclusive Conversations®

Day

3

Bold, Inclusive Conversations®: The Practicum

  • Practice engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® using case scenarios
  • Participate in teach backs
  • Get certified!

Day 3

Bold, Inclusive Conversations®: The Practicum

  • Practice engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® using case scenarios
  • Participate in teach backs
  • Get certified!

Additional Offerings to Bring to Your Organization

To strengthen your organization’s capacity to engage in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® we have the following offerings that we can deliver to your employees:

Keynote Session

This interactive, and thought-provoking session will provide learners with a blueprint for increasing one’s capacity to engage in and create ‘brave’ spaces for Bold, Inclusive Conversations®. Specific areas of focus will include:

  • The role of fostering self- and ‘other-’ understanding
  • Assessing individual and team readiness
  • Preparing for the conversation
  • Guidance for engaging in the conversation
  • Strategies for sharpening inclusive habits

Learning Content and Sessions

We have identified three learning tracks that have been successful in yielding impactful and actionable learning opportunities based on the model for Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations®. Each track can be tailored to the culture and readiness of the organization. These sessions have been delivered as virtual and in-person experiences. For virtual sessions, we recommend a class size of 50-100. For in-person sessions, we have successfully accommodated 30-75.

  1. A Leadership Practicum: This session is specifically tailored to executive and leadership audiences.
  2. Developmental Approach: This approach includes two sessions that build off each other, the first session introduces foundational concepts, the second session allows learners to take a ‘deeper dive’ into the model for Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations®.
  3. Virtual Series: These ‘deep-dive’ learning experiences specifically address the considerations unique to talking about race, religion, and politics.

Private Train-the-Trainer and Certification Program

Core to The Winters Group’s learning experiences is our developmental approach—a commitment to understanding and meeting people where they are. The Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Certification and Licensing Program was developed to increase leaders’ and employees’ capacity to facilitate dialogue around difficult topics. During this three-day interactive, skill-building experience, learners will be provided with a blueprint for increasing one’s capacity to engage in, facilitate and create ‘brave’ spaces for Bold, Inclusive Conversations®.

Testimonials

“The Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification program was the best training that I have participated in a very long time. Aside from the strategic communication, registration, and training logistics, the facilitators, engagement opportunities, and transparent conversations were exceptional. The intentional passion for the work; commitment to sharing resources, and vision for all organizations to achieve inclusivity was interwoven in all aspects of the program. You are guaranteed to walk away with an insightful reflection of oneself, and willingness to “Live (Work) Inclusively.”

– Dr. Kimberly Roan, Enterprise Director of Talent Development, State of Minnesota

“The Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification Program was truly transformative. It brought together practical and useful tools and “real life” examples utilizing actors that brought to life the why and how to have those difficult and polarizing conversations in the workplace. I am not a Diversity and Inclusion expert, but the training has given me the confidence and motivation to facilitate and use the tools I learned within my own organization. The trainers led by Mary-Frances Winters were exceptional.”

– Keith Payet, President and CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee

"Attending and participating in [the] “Engaging Bold, Inclusive Conversations ® Facilitator Certification Program” was life changing. It allowed me to gain insight on myself and others (assist in personal growth) which has made me a more productive and engaged employee. Listening to others’ ideas and feeling confident to share my own has triggered an idea innovation process that would not have otherwise occurred. I am making professional and personal connections with a broader range of people which has enhanced my viewpoint in many areas within my organization.”

– Doralisa Eatherton, Sr. Business Analyst, Great River Energy

"Attending The Winters Group Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations ® Facilitator Certification Program was truly life changing. Not only did I grow in my knowledge and learn new skills to support D&I efforts professionally, but I feel like I was personally changed. Being more self-aware of my filters and triggers has allowed me to better understand and recognize others’ triggers. The increased empathy I can feel myself having for others was almost immediate. I was thankful to share this experience with a fellow Medicaid leader and I look forward to continuing the journey of embedding Bold, Inclusive Conversations® into our business with the hope of allowing more and more employees to bring their whole authentic self to work.”

– Kelly Spiess, Talent Business Partner, UnitedHealthcare Community & State (Medicaid Business)

Testimonials

“Where to begin. I hope I expressed this well in person, but I feel so honored to have experienced this. It was at times both eye-opening and comforting, challenging and validating, upsetting and inspiring. Just as this program is an incremental process, so too was our journey as a group through the materials. I can't remember the last time I experienced training in which such deliberate care was taken for the participants. I also can't remember a time (at work!) when I have felt so heard and seen, and I left with an even stronger sense of clarity around "my why." I truly cannot wait to put what I've learned into action alongside my teammates. I'll forever be grateful for these 3 days. Thank you so much.”

– D&I Leader, Booz Allen Hamilton

“The Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification program was the best training that I have participated in a very long time. Aside from the strategic communication, registration, and training logistics, the facilitators, engagement opportunities, and transparent conversations were exceptional. The intentional passion for the work; commitment to sharing resources, and vision for all organizations to achieve inclusivity was interwoven in all aspects of the program. You are guaranteed to walk away with an insightful reflection of oneself, and willingness to “Live (Work) Inclusively.”

– Dr. Kimberly Roan, Enterprise Director of Talent Development, State of Minnesota

“The Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations® Facilitator Certification Program was truly transformative. It brought together practical and useful tools and “real life” examples utilizing actors that brought to life the why and how to have those difficult and polarizing conversations in the workplace. I am not a Diversity and Inclusion expert, but the training has given me the confidence and motivation to facilitate and use the tools I learned within my own organization. The trainers led by Mary-Frances Winters were exceptional.”

– Keith Payet, President and CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee

"Attending and participating in [the] “Engaging Bold, Inclusive Conversations ® Facilitator Certification Program” was life changing. It allowed me to gain insight on myself and others (assist in personal growth) which has made me a more productive and engaged employee. Listening to others’ ideas and feeling confident to share my own has triggered an idea innovation process that would not have otherwise occurred. I am making professional and personal connections with a broader range of people which has enhanced my viewpoint in many areas within my organization.”

– Doralisa Eatherton, Sr. Business Analyst, Great River Energy

"Attending The Winters Group Engaging in Bold, Inclusive Conversations ® Facilitator Certification Program was truly life changing. Not only did I grow in my knowledge and learn new skills to support D&I efforts professionally, but I feel like I was personally changed. Being more self-aware of my filters and triggers has allowed me to better understand and recognize others’ triggers. The increased empathy I can feel myself having for others was almost immediate. I was thankful to share this experience with a fellow Medicaid leader and I look forward to continuing the journey of embedding Bold, Inclusive Conversations® into our business with the hope of allowing more and more employees to bring their whole authentic self to work.”

– Kelly Spiess, Talent Business Partner, UnitedHealthcare Community & State (Medicaid Business)

Have Any Questions?

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Have Any Questions?

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