SEP 13

No Title? No Problem! Influencing Without Authority
September 13, 2018, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Are you leading a project or team without formal authority? Do you have some great ideas but you need others’ support to successfully execute? Do you want to influence important decisions outside of your immediate responsibility? Do you want to want to persuade your boss but you aren't sure how to position yourself? In this age of heightened business complexity, to get things done often requires the support of many others both inside and outside your own organization, department or team. Many change initiatives involve multiple functions within and even between organizations, requiring managers to exercise influence over people without formal authority. In this interactive workshop led by Ank Stuyfzand, we'll explore the key factors for becoming more influential; ways to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and enhance your communication style... all to increase your ability to influence those critical to your success.

Location: bluebird bio, 60 Binney Street, 10th Floor, Aviary Room, Cambridge, MA 02142

Cost: $15 for members, $40 for non-members

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Sep 20

Improving the Quality and Impact of our Conversations through Conversational Intelligence™
September 20, 2018, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

We have long thought of communication as a soft skill and given it little attention. Yet it, more than anything else, is the cause of problems and the source of solutions in our businesses and in our lives. Everything happens through conversations. Conversational Intelligence (C-IQ) provides frameworks and tools, based on neuroscience, that elevate the quality of our conversations and our results by creating the conditions for increased trust, creativity and collaboration. In this interactive session led by Cindy Loughran, participants will gain a basic understanding of Conversational Intelligence. They will become familiar with neuroscientific research on conversations and why it matters, identify two core human needs that impact the effectiveness of our conversations, and gain specific tools that increase the impact of conversations in order to build trust and encourage greater creativity and collaboration.

Location: Takeda, 300 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139

Cost: $15 for members, $40 for non-members

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OCT 2

Successful Communication: How to Build Your Skill in Handling Challenging Conversations
October 2, 2018, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

Do you notice a sense of discomfort or even dread when you know you have a difficult conversation that needs to happen? Do you leave these conversations feeling less than resolved or understood, or question whether anything will change as a result? In this workshop led by Sue Williamson, you will bring your own challenging conversation and work with it using a model, specific steps, and practice in effectively preparing for and engaging in your conversation. We will talk about the ladder of inference and the power of assumptions and then use a 5 step process to prepare for any challenging conversation. Come join us and build skill and confidence in your abilities to be successful communicators in often emotional scenarios. 

Location: Biogen, 255 Binney Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

Cost: $15 for members, $40 for non-members

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OCT 11

Networking Night
October 11, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Bristol-Myers Squibb will soon be opening its new R&D site in Cambridge. They are inviting the WEST community to join them for a casual networking event to meet their leaders, learn more about the site, and learn about some of the skills and backgrounds they are looking for as they seek to build their Cambridge team.  

Location: The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, 415 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142

Cost: Free

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OCT 23

Interrupting Bias
October 23, 2018, 6:00 - 8:30 PM

When you think if a leader, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Most people, whether consciously or not, picture a man. And more specifically, a white man. Despite strides towards equity, we are still socialized about what it means to be of a certain identity in our society. These messages are so pervasive that despite our best intentions, we sometimes fall into biased behaviors. In this workshop led by Chris Haigh, we will define bias, understand where it comes from, reflect on our own biases, and examine strategies for interrupting bias in ourselves and others. Come prepared to engage in self-reflection and in dialogue with your colleagues about an issue that truly affects us all.

Location: bluebird bio, 60 Binney Street, 10th Floor, Aviary Room, Cambridge, MA 02142

Cost: $15 for members, $40 for non-members

Register

To Learn more about any workshop leaders listed, please visit http://www.westorg.org/content-experts-and-workshop-leaders