This interactive and practical workshop equips leaders and managers with the mindset, skills, and confidence to foster open, trust-based conversations across their teams. Designed to support the university’s culture and values, the session explores the conditions that enable people to speak up, contribute meaningfully, and feel heard. 

This workshop relates to the “Communication”, “Self-leadership”, “Leading others: drives performance”, and “Leading others: promotes wellbeing and inclusion” competencies outlined in the Competency Framework.   

What is an Open Conversation? 
An open conversation is a respectful, two-way interaction where individuals feel psychologically safe to express ideas, concerns, and questions. These conversations are foundational to healthy, high-performing teams and a learning-focused culture. 

Who is it for? 

This workshop is tailored for university leaders and managers at all levels who want to: 

• Create a culture of transparency and trust 

• Improve team dynamics and communication 

• Model the university’s values in everyday leadership 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

• Define and recognise what makes a conversation "open" 

• Apply core principles of open conversations to real workplace situations 

• Identify common barriers to open communication—and how to overcome them 

• Promote psychological safety and a culture of trust within their teams 

• Practice active listening and questioning techniques to build deeper understanding 

• Reflect on leadership behaviours that enable openness 

• Apply tools and frameworks that support productive, values-aligned conversations 

Session Themes 

• What does an open conversation look like? - Real examples and myths 

• Why conversations close: barriers to openness - Fear, hierarchy, habits, assumptions 

• Creating conditions for dialogue - Trust, safety, permission, and presence 

• The listening Leader - Listening with intention, not interruption 

• Powerful questions - Using curiosity to create engagement 

• From Talk to Action - Turning conversations into cultural change