full engagement by steve levin at sbodn on 11-3-14

Full Engagement: Powerful Conversations to

Mobilize Leaders of Change

Leading Change Consulting & Coaching Steve Levin, Principal

5 Thistle Street, Portola Valley, CA 94028, USA Tel 1.650.851.3641 Fax 1.650.851.3640

www.leadingchange.net • [email protected]

SBODN 11-3-2014

©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 2

Life as a Story

Life in the Moment

Powerful Conversations Address Two Levels of Life

Two Ways of Being Generative

•  Explore, learn •  Open, curious •  Discerning, prudent •  Expansive, play large •  Seeking connection •  Engaged, committed •  Owner of the future

à Make changes

Static / Reactive •  Explain, assess •  Closed, manage info •  Judging, wary •  Contracted, play small •  Seeking safety •  Disengaged, compliant •  Victim of circumstances

à Stay stuck


Two Ways of Being Generative

•  Explore, learn •  Open, curious •  Expansive, play large •  Discerning, prudent •  Seeking connection •  Engaged, committed •  Owner of the future

à Make changes

Static / Reactive •  Explain, evaluate •  Controlling, closed •  Contracted, play small •  Judging, wary •  Seeking safety •  Disengaged, compliant •  Victim of circumstances

à Stay stuck


Available Resources

Master the Four Stages of Powerful Conversations

4. Move from Intention to Results Some say Yes in concept but No in action. You can change that.

2. Generate Fresh Insights Interrupt their patterns. Provoke creative thinking.

3. Explore from a New Point of View A spark of insight fades fast. Fan the flames to spread the fire of change.

1. Get to What Really Matters You don’t need to “build trust first.” Get to the core stuff now.

©2014 Steve Levin. All rights reserved.

4. Move from Intention to Results –  Commit to productive action –  Practice / experiment with new moves –  Set up structures for support –  Track progress and make course corrections

3. Explore from a New Point of View –  Shift identity from “victim” to “owner” –  Evoke a bold stand for what is possible –  Encourage full expression of thoughts and feelings –  Move from vague ideas to clear choices

2. Generate Fresh Insights –  Interrupt unproductive thinking –  Challenge assumptions, beliefs that keep them stuck –  Explore gaps in logic and hot or dead spots in feeling –  Reconnect with what is truly authentic

1. Get to What Really Matters –  Listen to what they say, but focus on what they reveal –  Connect with the core of their concerns –  Introduce a more useful frame –  Create value within 10 minutes

Each stage moves you towards Full Engagement


Feedback from Talented Peers

Resource Guide of Models & Tools

Expert Guidance by Master Coach

Live Coaching Using Your Real Situations

Each Powerful Conversations session features live coaching, direct feedback and just-in-time tools


Tools for Powerful Conversations (1)

1.  Get to What Really Matters

•  Listen for the whole story •  Combine inquiry with

advocacy •  Fast forward to the edge •  Demonstrate deep

understanding •  Reframe for exploration •  Set up coaching for success

2. Generate Fresh Insights •  Separate facts vs. stories •  Open new possibilities •  Explore competing voices •  Blend challenge with

support •  Challenge limiting beliefs •  Explore why intentions

don't lead to results •  Address gaps in trust


Tools for Powerful Conversations (2)

3.  Explore from a New Point of View

•  Diagnose and address moods

•  Turn complaints into commitments

•  Move from victim to owner •  Appreciate what already

works •  Take a bold stand •  Choose what to value

4.  Move from Intention to Results

•  Say what is True, Useful and Respectful

•  Basic moves to cause action •  Design and practice new

behaviors •  Make plans for effective

action •  Assess risks and make a

choice •  Focus on a delivery system


Demonstrate Deep Understanding Level 1: I understand what you are saying

–  I can repeat what I heard

Level 2: I get what you think and feel, beneath your words

–  I can summarize what you really mean

Level 3: You feel deeply understood – You feel a resonance: Yes, that's it! – You may have a new insight or perspective – You are fully engaged yet calm


Mastering Powerful Conversations


Investigate the muck…& keep out of their swamp

Extend into their world…& stay present with yourself

Speak your own truth…& remain on their side

Honor their views…& challenge them with rigor

Interrupt their coherency…& respect their dignity

Respond to their request…& provide what they really need

Encourage thinking big…& support acting small

Treat the issues seriously…& treat ourselves lightly

Listen to what they say…& get what they really mean

full engagement by steve levin at sbodn on 11-3-14

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