Leadership Institute

Mastering Interaction Skills

Learning Format: Classroom

Skill Practice Course

Order No. IMEX108

Learning about interpersonal skills critical to being an effective leader is one thing. Applying the skills and changing behavior is another. Previous courses help leaders realize and practice those interaction skills that are strengths and those that need development. Now they must commit to mastering the skills so they’ll realize better working relationships and accomplish business results.

Using job-related situations, this supplemental courses helps leaders significantly improve their confidence and mastery in using the leadership skills. Leaders explore the issues that they face, practice their skills, and receive feedback on their use of the interaction process skills.

Do You Face Any of These Issues?

  • Do your leaders need to take their interaction skills to the next level?
  • Are leaders facing work situations where they need help planning exactly what to say and do?
  • Do they lack confidence in leading workplace discussions, and could they benefit by practicing in a safe environment?
  • Would it help to have leaders share their own expertise and experiences and benefit from others’ insights in an engaging way?

Performance Objectives

Helps leaders:

  • Effectively use interpersonal and process techniques and skills in important workplace discussions.
  • Build confidence and competence in achieving their discussion goals.
  • Effectively address challenges that might arise during discussions.
  • Use effective interaction skills on the job to build productive relationships.

Primary Competency Developed

  • Building Strategic Working Relationships

Secondary Competency Developed

  • Communication

Course Overview

  • So Refreshing: Learners build an analogy between skill practicing and an amusement park water ride. They watch a video depicting leaders effectively using the interaction process skills and note those that might help them in their own discussion. The remainder of the course is self-directed, as teams follow instructions on cards and move their game pieces along a “water ride” game board.
  • IM Riding the Waves: Teams do three skill practices based on situations identified as part of prework. Each leader gives details about the situation and his or her planned approach, receiving input from their teammates. The leader conducts the discussion with a partner, and the observer provides feedback.
  • Rock the Raft: Learners use the same situations to conduct three role-reversal skill practices in which the leader becomes the partner. They discuss more challenges that might arise and choose one to incorporate. They help each other plan for the challenges using the IMSM skills and techniques.
  • Back at the Dock: Learners create a plan to ensure realization of their efforts in the workplace by committing to follow up with a colleague from the session or with their manager.

Video Segment Summaries

  • An abbreviated positive model demonstrates the effective use of Interaction Guidelines.
  • A montage shows leaders effectively using Key Principles in various leadership situations

Course Details

  • Target audience: Informal and frontline leaders through mid-level managers.
  • Course length: 3 hours, 30 minutes. Course can be lengthened with optional activities.
  • Facilitator certification: DDI-certified facilitator required.
  • Prerequisites: Essentials of Leadership plus 2-3 other DDI leadership courses.
  • Series: Suitable for all environments.
  • Group size: 8 to 16 people.
  • Prework: Yes. 45-60 minutes.

This supplemental course provides additional job-related interaction skill development to leaders who have completed at least 2 or 3 courses (e.g., Coaching for Success, Coaching for Improvement, etc.).