Conversation techniques in the context of discrimination

Objective and added value

The training enables specialists and managers to act professionally in emotionally charged situations characterized by discrimination and hierarchy. It combines two recognized communication approaches—client-centered counseling according to Carl Rogers and nonviolent communication according to Marshall Rosenberg—and links them with an in-depth understanding of structural discrimination.

This seminar also appeals to managers who are primarily seeking better tools for their everyday challenges. They come, for example, with questions such as »How can I communicate in a less confrontational way?« or »How do I deal with complaints?« and, with the help of the seminar, develop a style of communication that is both more professional and more human. The added value is twofold – improved collaboration and a more inclusive organizational culture.

Special features of the approach

• Dual effect: Structural understanding provides relief and clarity; concrete skills enable action.
• Integrated competence: Recognizing discrimination without shame, empathetic communication without relativizing injustice.
• Self-reflection: Phase model for locating one’s own development processes, tools for dealing with resistance and defensiveness.

Sustainable impact at various levels

• Individual: Those affected experience genuine understanding; better coping with stress.
• Interpersonal: Sustainable relationships between people with different experiences of discrimination or privileges.
• Organizational: Managers bring anti-discrimination perspectives into their organizations, initiate structural changes, and improve corporate culture.

Understanding structural discrimination

• Four-level model: historical dimension, social discourse, organizational level, intra- and interpersonal level
• Dynamics and phases of addressing discrimination
• Developing target questions and action strategies

Developing communicative competence

• Forms of empathy: Distinguishing between three different forms of empathic encounter and possible individual and structural obstacles
• Client-centered conversation according to Rogers: Basic attitude and the three stages of active listening
• Nonviolent communication according to Rosenberg: Helpful distinctions

Transfer and multiplication

• Area-specific case work: Analysis of the field of work with development of measures
• Organizational anchoring: Reflection on possibilities for structural innovation
• Sustainable impact: Transfer of knowledge and initiation of discrimination-critical processes

Format and duration

• Basic format: 2 – 5 days
• Modular distribution possible (minimum half-day modules)

Contact: info@synnecta.com