Beliefs, Bias and Behaviour: navigating difficult conversations

Most of us have had conversations that start well and then become tense, defensive, or stuck. It might be a difference of opinion, a sensitive topic, or a sense that something deeper has been touched upon.

In those moments, how we make sense of what’s happening and how we respond are shaped by underlying beliefs, often outside of our awareness. These beliefs influence how we interpret situations, relate to others and make decisions.

This one-day workshop offers a reflective, practical space to slow down and examine those beliefs with curiosity and care. Through guided reflection, dialogue and simple experiential exercises, participants are invited to explore how beliefs form, how they operate at different levels, and how they influence behaviour, communication and choice.

The day is designed to be accessible and flexible. Some participants may choose to focus on beliefs related to leadership or work, while others may explore beliefs connected to confidence, responsibility, wellbeing, relationships or personal change. There is no expectation to share personal material, and the focus is not on fixing or correcting beliefs, but on understanding them more clearly. The emphasis is on awareness, perspective and developing greater choice in how we respond.

This workshop is reflective rather than theoretical, and practical rather than prescriptive. It is suitable for anyone interested in understanding themselves and others more clearly, and in engaging with difference, complexity and change with greater confidence.

During the day, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Notice what happens in you when a conversation becomes tense or challenging
• Identify some of the beliefs and assumptions shaping your reactions
• Distinguish between immediate reactions and more considered responses
• Explore how different perspectives can be held without needing to agree
• Practise asking questions that open up thinking, rather than close it down
• Experience structured dialogue that supports reflection rather than debate
• Recognise moments where you have more choice in how you respond than it first appears

If you’re interested in understanding how your beliefs shape the way you think, respond and relate to others, and in exploring how to stay engaged in conversation even when things become challenging, you’d be very welcome.

Places are limited to keep the group small and allow space for meaningful discussion and practice.

Image credit: Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

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Host or Publisher John Armitage