Keynotes & Workshops

Robert Harris frequently presents both keynotes and workshops at conferences and learning events in both Canada and the United States. Robert is invariably able to integrate the topic knowledge with the actual client participant needs to create a dynamic and highly relevant learning event.

Feedback on Robert’s presentations attests to Robert’s abilities to “hit the mark” on a variety of subject matters.

Robert can also customize presentations different from what is listed on this web page.

Click on the topics below to reveal information about the basic outlines for our keynote presentations. Click again to close the topic.

1. Change Leadership

   STRATEGIC CHANGE LEADERSHIP – BRIDGING THE GULF BETWEEN THOSE WHO FAVOUR CHANGE AND EVERYONE ELSE:

   Research shows that over 2/3 of all change initiatives fail. A big reason is the “disconnect” between those pushing for change, and everyone else. Robert presents a proven model for turning employee apathy and resistance into understanding and commitment. He highlights 5 key strategies that are simple to implement, and highly successful, but invariably neglected by organizations. Robert will make linkages to workplace examples of change success.

   MANAGING DURING TIMES OF ONGOING CHANGE – MOTIVATING STRATEGIES THAT WORK:

   During times of constant change, managers often feel like the “ham in the sandwich”. Not only are they personally dealing with the challenges of change, but they must also manage and motivate others who are struggling to succeed. Robert presents a dynamic model demonstrating how to “transition” during change. The audience learns how to motivate “the unmotivated”, improve morale, and achieve results exceeding expectations, through a lively, experiential and insightful presentation.

   DELIVERING DIFFICULT NEWS – HOW TO LAUNCH CHANGE IN A WAY THAT BUILDS TRUST AND COMMITMENT:

   All of us, at some point in our lives, have to deliver difficult messages. Most of us dread what reaction this will cause in our audience and the implications to our own integrity and credibility. Robert presents a simple yet highly innovative 4-part model for planning, designing and then delivering difficult news. This model has been used by hundreds of Robert’s clients with outstanding results. It can be applied for large-scale communication efforts during organizational change, small-group presentations, or one-on-one meetings.

   INFORM, INVOLVE, IGNITE! – THE 3 “ I’S” OF CHANGE LEADERSHIP:

   People can’t do what they don’t understand. People can’t do well what they have no involvement in. And people won’t do what they have no commitment to. Far too often, organizational leaders get far too focused on designing a good change plan, and then pay little attention to engaging people in this plan. As a result, many change initiatives fail. Robert speaks about how to ignite your employees and other stakeholders in taking joint accountability for change success.

2. Strategic Influencing

   STRATEGIC INFLUENCING - HOW TO GET BUY-IN AND COMMITMENT TO IMPORTANT ORGANIZATIONAL GOALS

   Most people influence the wrong way. Instead of highlighting benefits and opportunities, Robert provides a very innovative yet practical way to influence and communicate to others in a way that guarantees better results. Leaders and managers struggle with how to get others to see their point of view and engaging key stakeholders. Robert will provide workplace examples of how leaders make mistakes that result in increased apathy and distrust from those who must be onside. Robert will also illustrate examples of his 4 step Strategic Influencing process that causes people to rethink and re-do what they typically do. This strategic influencing process can be replicated when participants wish to formulate their influencing strategies for gaining commitment to real workplace challenges.

3. Negotiating and Resolving Conflict

   NEGOTIATING FOR “WIN-WIN” RESULTS - MOVING THEM FROM OPPOSITION TO AGREEMENT

   We don’t have to be a professional negotiator to get involved in negotiations. In reality, we “negotiate” every day with our children, spouse, extended family, friends, colleagues, and local merchants. All too often, we don’t get the results we anticipated, or the relationship suffers in the process. Robert presents the secrets to “win-win” negotiating, demonstrating how to achieve positive substantive and relationship outcomes. He highlights the 4 primary negotiating styles along with how to use each style for maximum results.

   INFLUENCING SKILLS – HOW TO OVERCOME RESISTANCE TO IMPORTANT ORGANIZATIONAL INITIATIVES

   Robert presents a proven influencing model which allows sales representatives, internal consultants, managers, leaders, and others to “connect and convince”. All too often, people start with the “convince” and only later on think about the “connect”…with the inevitable poor outcomes. In this highly practical presentation, Robert demonstrates a compelling influencing model which significantly lessens resistance to important organizational goals and objectives.

   5 KEYS TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION - HOW TO DEFUSE AND DE-ESCALATE DIFFICULT SITUATIONS

   Conflict is natural and even useful. The key is how we deal with it. Robert presents the 5 “root causes” of conflict along with an innovative approach for dealing with individual or team conflicts. Robert demonstrates the 3 contributors to conflict escalation and shows how to resolve disagreements early in preventing mild irritations from becoming “1st degree burns”. Invariably, the audience gains practical “takeaways” that they can use for everyday professional and personal conflicts.

4. Career Management

   NAVIGATING YOUR CAREER IN TODAY'S ECONOMY

   Robert presents the 11 fundamentals of career management in today’s economy and shows how these benefit both employer and employee. The reality is, the old employer/employee contract of security for loyalty has been replaced by a new bond which links contribution to employee growth and opportunity. Robert highlights emerging trends and changes in the field of career planning and explains how these can enhance an organization’s recruitment and retention strategies. This presentation is adapted from Robert’s recently co-authored (with Joan Hill) workbook entitled Navigating Your Career.

5. Leadership and Personal Effectiveness

   PERSONAL STYLE…WHAT’S THAT GOT TO DO WITH IT? EVERYTHING!

   All too often, we function with certain “blind spots” that impede our overall effectiveness in achieving results and relating to others. Using a simple yet proven style indicator, Robert highlights typical style differences and, in a completely safe way, provides individual and group feedback on style preferences in the audience. Invariable, participants gain valuable insights both in terms of key strengths that they can leverage and developmental needs that they can work on. This session is fun, informative, and very applicable in everyday life.

   ENHANCING INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM EFFECTIVENESS

   Using the Strength Deployment Inventory (SDI) as the basis for individual and group understanding, Robert helps participants develop insights into strengths, motivators, de-motivators, values and needs. This session tends to be both fun and insightful as participants gain insights and knowledge that can provide benefits both in their work and personal lives.