Talk Sense
Taught at Harvard for over 25 years, this is the most effective set of strategies for helping leaders improve their communication and decision making, particularly in fast-paced and high-stakes environments. Tried and true, it's been used by Fortune 500, nonprofit, and educational leaders for decades and has become a go-to framework for many organizations.
Through individualized feedback, even veteran leaders are able to identify communication blind spots that are quietly hurting their ability to solve problems quickly and effectively. From there, they begin building a new set of skills that are routinely described as "transformational" and which can be applied right away. The results are improved ability to give and receive feedback, improved listening and decision making, improved conflict management, better team building and problem solving, and greater capacity to build trust and credibility with colleagues and clients.
What people are saying
“This was one of the most transformational weeks of training of my career. The curriculum was uniquely tailored to diverse leaders like myself, and touched on some of the unique challenges and impediments diverse professionals run into. The training was eye-opening, informative, and incredibly engaging.”
Troy Cosey, Senior Product Marketing Manager, LinkedIn
“The skills that I learned in the Talk Sense training are extremely valuable. I use the listening skills daily—both at work and with family—and often reflect on the impact they have on getting better information. The impact of the training has been that I’ve been able to solve challenges more quickly and build better relationships.”
Derrick Thomas, Senior Vice President & Director, PNC Financial Services
“At work, my manager communicated to me that he has seen a difference in my management style since the training and expressly called out my improved communication. At home, my wife greatly appreciates the extra effort I put in to understanding what she is trying to communicate rather than immediately trying to provide an answer or direction.”
Mario Fanduiz, Senior Vice President, Citi Private Banking
“I promise you, I thought I was an excellent listener. How could I not be? I practiced employment law for 10 years and have been an HR Executive for another 6, so I figured, all I do is listen to people! I must be an expert! Well, 7 minutes into the training it became abundantly clear that not only was I not an expert, I was nowhere close. From becoming more self-aware, to setting up difficult conversations, to really working to truly hear what people are saying beyond the words being said, this has been transformative for me. I highly recommend this for anyone who just wants to get better.”
Wes Alexander, 2nd Vice President, Employee Relations, Travelers
“Dr. Cediel’s Talk Sense Training has provided a common communication structure for all of our instructional leaders. It has prepared them to deliver difficult messages and become better listeners with all stakeholders, and is now required training for all leaders in our district. This training is not just for work-based communication, it is a life skill.”
Irene Ahumada, Associate Superintendent, Ysleta Independent School District
"The Talk Sense training has been transformative for me, both professionally and personally. The skills I gained in listening and communication have helped me build stronger relationships and solve challenges more efficiently. I've found myself becoming more self-aware and able to navigate difficult conversations with greater clarity and empathy."
Reginald Darby, Federal Legislative Director, The Clean Slate Initiative
“Talk Sense is the real deal. Between Dr. Cediel's strong facilitation, the use of relevant case studies, and a combination of instructor and peer feedback, I learned more about having challenging yet affirming conversations in two days than I did from years of independent reading, self-reflection, and coursework. A very strong framework taught by a dynamic presenter.”
Adam Aronson, Principal, Chelsea Public Schools
