This event has been cancelled.

GPC, in partnership with the University of Guelph, presents this relevant and timely training for governance professionals. This program was developed by the University of Guelph.

Take the training and then take the challenge. Put your skills into action and earn a digital credential from the University of Guelph.

This unique learning experience led by a University of Guelph expert, offers a targeted interactive training session followed up with a skill recognition opportunity to earn a digital credential.

Session Description

Learn how to effectively deliver bad news at work while still maintaining positive relationships with directors and leaders, mitigating reputational risk and litigation. This professional development session aims to help you safeguard professional relationships and improve this critical skill for governance professionals and leaders.

In this one-day program, you will learn how to effectively frame, and deliver bad news in the workplace, and to manage post-delivery outcomes. You will explore topics and activities that are directly applicable to your unique role between leadership and board.

Upon successful completion of both components of the training (virtual training sessions and Skills-Based Assessment), you will earn a digital badge in Communicating Bad News at Work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the training, you should be able to:

1.    Dissect the communication process to develop a blueprint on how to effectively communicate bad news in a variety of contexts and situations;
2.    Apply techniques to effectively conduct bad news meetings;
3.    Use verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to favourably impact recipient perceptions of blame assignment, fairness, justice, equity, level of event negativity, legitimacy, accountability, and mistrust in management and board;
4.    Recognize and avoid contextual factors that can deviate from the primary message;
5.    Evaluate the limitations of your role to be able to work within them, and;
6.    Practice methods to bypass or mitigate challenges.

Intended Audience

Designed for those governance professionals in such positions as Corporate Secretary, Corporate and General Counsel, Manager Corporate Governance, VP/Director/Officer Compliance, Risk, Legal or Regulatory Affairs, Associate/Assistant Corporate Secretary and Board Administrator. This program is also crucial if you are a, CEO, CFO, Board Chair, Director or Committee Chair.

Program Agenda

·      The Role of the Change Agent
·      Preparing for the Communication
·      Delivering the Message
·      Post-Communication Concerns

Delivery Format

Part 1: Training Session

The training session will be delivered virtually over 7 hours (with two 15-minute breaks and a lunch break). Sessions will include lectures and interactive small and large group activities and discussions to promote practice and reflection.

Part 2: Skills-Based Assessment

Once you have taken the training, enroll in the Skills-Based Assessment. The Assessment is an extension of your learning where you can showcase your skills and earn digital credential from the University of Guelph. Evidence of skill attainment is demonstrated through a portfolio or scenario-based evaluation and includes completion of a reflective video or written component. Participants who successfully pass the assessment will earn a digital badge that can be shared on your social media networks and with your employer. The assessment will require approximately 8-12 hours of effort to complete.

Information on how to enroll to take the Skills-Based Assessment will be provided to you at the completion of the training component.

The skills-based assessment is included in the training price and is offered through Open Learning and Educational Support at the University of Guelph.