Difficult Conversations
Physical Boundaries
What are some nonverbal signs that someone may be uncomfortable with physical proximity?
Subjects
Why are clear subject lines important in professional communication?
Meeting Etiquette
What should you clarify if you are unsure about your role in a meeting?
Mentorship
What is one major difference between a mentor and a manager?
Humor
Why is it important to know your audience before joking at work?
Using Your Voice
What is the difference between your circle of control and your circle of influence?
Formality
How should your email style change when writing to a client versus a close teammate?
Appearance
What are two small habits that help build professional presence before you even speak?
More than Coworkers
Why can even the appearance of favoritism create problems at work?
Body Language
Why is engagement especially important during video calls?
Relational Boundaries
A coworker frequently interrupts you and talks over you in meetings. What is a professional way to address it?
Responding
Why is acknowledging an email important even if you do not yet have the answer?
Networking
How can outside-work events influence professional opportunities?
Peer Relationships
When tension develops with a peer, what attribute or skill is your most effective tool for finding resolution?
Meals
Why should you think carefully about what you order at a business meal?
Conflict
What strategy helps preserve both the relationship and the outcome during conflict?
To CC, or Not to CC?
Why can CC’ing a manager sometimes change the tone of a conversation?
Work & Prioritization
You are assigned two urgent tasks with the same deadline. What is the best next step?
Managing Up and Across
What does it mean to “manage up” effectively with your supervisor?
Small Talk
What are examples of “safe” small-talk topics in professional settings?
Saying No
Your manager gives you a task while you are already overloaded with urgent work. How can you professionally say “no” without actually refusing the work?
Length
Before sending a long email, what is the most important question you should ask yourself?
Reputation Management
What are three things that will build a good professional reputation for you?
Trust & Confidentiality
What is the difference between gossip and appropriate disclosure?
Reflective Listening
What are the four steps of Reflective Listening?