Slides from Steve Levin's SBODN professional development program

1. 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 • info@leadingchange.net
SBODN 11-3-2014

2. Powerful Conversations
Address Two Levels of Life
Life as
a Story
Life in the
Moment
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 2

3. 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
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 3

4. Two Ways of Being
Generative
• Explore, learn
• Open, curious
• Expansive, play large
• Discerning, prudent
• Seeking connection
• Engaged, committed
• Owner of the future
Available Resources
à Make changes
Static / Reactive
• Explain, evaluate
• Controlling, closed
• Contracted, play small
• Judging, wary
• Seeking safety
• Disengaged, compliant
• Victim of circumstances
à Stay stuck
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 4

5. Master the Four Stages
of Powerful Conversations
1. Get to What Really Matters
You don’t need to “build trust first.” Get to the core stuff now.
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.
4. Move from Intention to Results
Some say Yes in concept but No in action. You can change that.
©2014 Steve Levin. All rights reserved.

6. Each stage moves you towards Full Engagement
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
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
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
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
©2014 Steve Levin. All rights reserved.

7. Each Powerful Conversations session features
live coaching, direct feedback and just-in-time tools
Feedback from
Talented Peers
Expert Guidance
by Master Coach
Resource Guide
of Models & Tools
Live Coaching Using
Your Real Situations
©2014 Steve Levin. All rights reserved.

8. 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
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 8

9. 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
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 9

10. Demonstrate Deep Understanding
Level 1: I understan d 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
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 10

11. Mastering Powerful Conversations
Listen to what they say…& get what they really mean
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
©2014 Steve Levin & Associates. All rights reserved. 11