Difficult Conversations in Museums with Jenn DePrizio

Join us for a six-part event series on difficult conversations in museums. These gatherings will integrate our past community themes of Leadership and Listening, and we'll use the book Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most as our guide. Reading and Session Schedule1. October 8: Introduction to Difficult Conversations (Chapters 1 and 2) • Understand the three conversations within every difficult conversation • Learn to shift from a combative to a learning stance 2. October 15: Exploring Perspectives and Intentions (Chapters 3 and 4) • Stop arguing about who's right and explore each other's stories • Learn to disentangle intent from impact in conversations 3. October 22: Emotions and Identity (Chapters 5 and 6) • Explore the role of feelings in difficult conversations • Ground your identity and understand what's at stake for you 4. November 5: Creating Learning Conversations: Purpose and Listening (Chapters 7, 8, and 9) • Clarify your purpose and learn when to raise issues or let them go • Develop skills to listen from the inside out • Consider how to begin with conversations with objective observer point of view, the third story 5. November 12: Expression, Problem-solving and Bringing it all together (Chapters 10, 11, 12) • Learn to express yourself with clarity and power and to take the lead in problem-solving • Explore framework for leading difficult conversations 6. November 19: Practical Application and Special Scenarios (Final Section: “Ten questions people ask”) • Address common questions about difficult conversations • Explore how to handle specific challenging situations, such as power imbalances and cultural differences What to expect• Each session begins with 30 minutes of silent reading time • The remaining 45 minutes are dedicated to facilitated discussion Sessions will not be recorded, and discussions will follow the Chatham House Rule (“stories stay, lessons leave”).  RegistrationSpace is limited to 25 participants to ensure quality discussions.  • Supporting and Museum Members: Free access (included in your membership) — Email community(at)museumprogress.com if you’d like to be added to the RSVP list. • General Admission: $60 for the full series What You’ll Need• A copy of the book Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most • A stable internet connection for virtual participation About the FacilitatorJenn DePrizio brings over 20 years of experience in audience-centered program development and interpretive strategies in art museums. She most recently served as Chief Learning Officer at the Cleveland Museum of Art and has held leadership positions at the Portland Museum of Art, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, J. Paul Getty Museum, and Worcester Art Museum. Jenn’s background in museum leadership and her recent focus on executive coaching and leadership development provide valuable insights into the complexities of difficult conversations in museum settings. She holds an International Coaching Federation Associate Certified Coach credential and an Emotionally Intelligent Leadership Certificate from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. Enhance Your LearningComplement your book club experience at our next Listening Live Practice session on November 7th. In the session, you’ll see how the listening techniques we use in Progress-Space Research can enhance your ability to navigate difficult conversations.  Pre-Event SurveyAfter registering, you'll receive a short survey about your experiences with challenging conversations at work. Your confidential responses will help shape our discussions and ensure the series addresses the most relevant issues for our community. Questions?If you have any questions or need assistance, leave a comment on this event or contact us at community(at)museumprogress.com.