Human to Human Skill Development for the New Era
Betsy Petrie is on a mission is to implement human-centric solutions with a focus toward increasing productivity and overall satisfaction of employees.
WORK IN PROGRESS
Perhaps you have noticed colleagues rushing past important details or overcomplicating things. Maybe some are too pushy, bossy, social, quiet, or loud. From positive to pessimistic, hyper focused or easily distracted… everyone’s trying to get the job done.
What is the trick to working through all this friction? Appreciation.
We don’t get to choose our teammates, but we can learn how to interact with them by understanding personal communication styles (our own and those of others).
This crucial skill isn’t often taught in school or in professional settings, yet it can have a profound impact our productivity and job satisfaction.
Betsy Petrie helps people work together better with the premise that we’re all a work in progress. Let’s make YOU the best version of you.
Mindset & Approach
INSPIRE: Leadership is not a job title or a resume on a line. It is not bestowed by the latest certification or from the latest business book.
Managers of people become impactful leaders and inspire others when they invest in areas of opportunity to grow their communication skills. My RAILS-Talk Workbook is only part of the equation.
ENGAGE: Whether work happens in an office or remotely, personal communication style informs how we engage with colleagues.
As we learn of differences in the way that our colleagues approach conversation and problem solving, a natural outcome is the realization that there can be several feasible solutions to any given challenge. Creating a level of awareness and mindfulness of the diversity of thought, backgrounds, and experiences paramount in the new era of work.
ACHIEVE: Human-to-human skill development is the first and final frontier when it comes to evolving company culture to achieve new heights.
Human development in the new era of work means we seek meaningful connections with others whom we may never meet in-person. Therefore, our interactions carry more weight, in that we must collaborate and build high-yield relationships, often without the assistance of social interactions. There has never been a more important time than now to raise our awareness of diversity of thought and how it aids our achievements.
Services
Betsy Petrie Consulting offers a range of leadership and communication training programs, from handling difficult conversations and coaching for performance to managing change and setting strategic goals.
Using tools like the DISC Communication Style model, these sessions focus on improving interpersonal skills, fostering inclusion, and developing leaders who can effectively manage diverse teams.
Looking for something unique? Customizable programs ensure organizations address their unique leadership needs while promoting effective communication, collaboration, and employee development.
If your people or organization are not as productive as they could be, let’s talk.
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The DISC Communication Style Model is a practical approach to discovering how you and others prefer interacting with others in a work environment. Utilizing the online assessment, this session supports a deeper understanding of the extensive report for better application into the work environment. This session is an appropriate learning opportunity for all levels in an organization and is especially useful in creating an environment of appreciation and respect for those who may not think or approach communication in a similar way.
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Learn how to navigate high-stakes discussions with Betsy Petrie’s RAILS Framework.
Building on her RAILS-Talk Workbook, Betsy walks through the steps for people managers facing issues of miscommunication, frustration, and unrealized objectives.
Learn how to stay on track when approaching difficult topics with your teams, without derailing the conversation with unnecessary friction from excessive small talk, judgment, or sugar coating.
These simple yet effective phases to help you outline feedback for performance reviews or PIPs, develop high yield communication skills, and transform the way you lead while incorporating your personal style.
RAILS-Talks are essential to building a culture of trust and value, improving employee engagement, and preparing a clear path for productivity, growth, and success.
The presentation can last an hour or more depending on the group size. Individual 1:1 coaching is available to put a RAILS-Talk into action.
Book copies are available at a bulk rate and are recommended for presentations and workshops.
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Based on Patrick Lencioni’s ground breaking book, this training session can be offered to an interdependent team or a team of individuals. The program focuses how to embody five core behaviors that drive cohesiveness and success:
Trust
Conflict
Commitment
Accountability
Results
Using assessments to identify areas of opportunity and interactive exercises, the objective is to learn how to develop actionable strategies to more successfully align people and teams to organizational initiatives.
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A Management Development “Boot Camp” or set of topics important to leadership can create the perfect foundation for both new and existing leaders of people. Normally determined through a Needs Assessment, the topics, objectives and method of delivery are focused specifically on the needs of the organization. Some areas may already exist with our programming, while others may be custom-built because of specific needs revealed through assessment.
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A well written goal outlines the plan; what it takes to achieve the goal. If the S.M.A.R.T. goal model has left you empty, you’re ready to try an approach that creates air-tight execution plans so you and your team achieve the satisfaction of “marking it complete.”
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Personal Style in The Workplace session includes an overview of DiSC Communication Style without prior online assessment, and also includes discovering your personal value system and that of the organization. This is an excellent option for foundation D, E & I programming as it highlights the importance of the value Diversity brings to a work environment.
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The truth is, many employees are promoted into a manager role because they are good at doing, “The thing.” Once promoted, they realize that doing, “The Thing” is a small part of the role. Managing people means dealing with the messiness of people and how leading others is not a One-size-fits-all proposition.
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People don’t react the same way to change or embrace it at the same pace. Successful leadership through change must incorporate a level of awareness fpr what is needed by each team mate as it will differ. Often, Managers struggle to understand the change, yet they must lead through it with and for their teams. Change is constant. Leadership in this area matters greatly to successful strategic execution.
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Employees are often promoted into management without the skills required to promote career development, an essential element for employee satisfaction and business evolution. Some of the most essential skills can be taught quickly, and with regular use can become a part of your culture. Recognizing the strengths and opportunities of each employee has the potential to restructure how work gets done, and done better than ever.
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Don’t see something your organization needs? Schedule a time to connect and we can discuss!
Organizational Development (OD) focuses on improving company abilities through the alignment of strategy, structure, people, metrics and management processes. Together, we can determine a healthy path forward.
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Not all people communicate the same way as you. While this likely comes as no surprise, it may surprise you that the adjustments needed are within your control and centered around the receiver, and that they may seem counter-intuitive. Interested in learning more about how you can evolve your communication prowess? Contact Betsy for more information on custom communication coaching.
Meet Betsy
Betsy Petrie is a seasoned and dynamic organizational and human development professional with experience specializing in strategic interpersonal communication for individuals and leadership teams.
Her expertise is in creating environments that foster trust, inspiration, and productivity. Throughout her career, she has successfully implemented practical tools to enhance company communication, resulting in heightened productivity and overall success.
Betsy’s programming includes face-to-face, virtual and on-demand/asynchronous recordings. Events range from small groups to company-wide conferences and keynote speaking and workshops.
Book A Time With Betsy
RAILS-Talk:
A Tough Conversations Workbook for People Managers
Available now at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookscape, Bookshop.org Booktopia, Brilliant Books, Magers and Quinn , and more!
Navigate High-Stakes Discussions Effectively with the RAILS-Talk Framework
Even the most capable managers face issues of miscommunication, frustration, and unrealized objectives.
Communications expert Betsy Petrie introduces this essential workbook designed to keep managers on track when tackling complex topics with individuals on their teams, without derailing the conversation with unnecessary friction from excessive small talk, judgement, or sugar-coating.
Incorporate your personal management style using the five RAILS-Talk phases: respectfully relate, ask simple questions, use the power of silence, actively listen, and summarize clear next steps. This method enhances message delivery as you avoid unnecessary anxiety and conflict, foster a culture of trust and value, and boost employee engagement and productivity.
Use this practical guide to develop high yield communication skills, outline feedback for performance reviews or PIPs, and transform the way you lead.
What People Are Saying About RAILS-Talk
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"Betsy Petrie has demystified the process of having difficult work conversations with her RAILS-Talk, a concept that really works! I've seen first-hand in practice where Betsy honed this technique with more than 200 managers. Every people manager needs a copy."
— Tracy McCarthy, SPHR, GPHR, SHRM-SCP
CHRO Leadership Coach Advisor
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“Personnel issues are my least favorite part of the job. RAILS-Talk greatly increases the likelihood that I stay on track and deliver my message in a constructive and positive manner. I now approach all difficult conversations using this method.“
— Gregory P. Barker, Ph.D.
Executive Director for Institutional Research and Analytics, Northern Illinois University
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"Packed with practical insights and clear guidance, enabling managers to boost both team and individual performance. This must-read is highly recommended for anyone eager to elevate their leadership skills and drive remarkable team success."
— Dr. Mike Comer
President, The Hayes Group International, Inc.
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“Authentic. Relatable. Realistic. Accessible. And proven to get results. This practical guide actually works for tackling those tough conversations managers so often avoid, transforming the way managers think about and prepare for high-stakes discussions. Betsy Petrie’s RAILS framework (Relate Respectfully, Ask a Simple Question, I Stop Talking, Listen, Steps/Summary) is straightforward but powerful, taking the mystery and hesitation out of difficult dialogues and giving managers an easy-to-remember, effective roadmap that’s as respectful as it is clear. A game-changer for any leader who’s ready to improve communication and bring real growth to their team dynamics.”
— Nick Stauffer
Senior Training and Development Specialist, MacLean-Fogg Company -
“New and tenured leaders, alike, struggle with difficult conversations. That’s no surprise. RAILS-Talk is the simplest, most practical “how-to” guide to overcoming your fears and having a productive conversation. Its people-focused approach helps you facilitate conversations that recognize the uniqueness of others and presents a clear methodology to communicate with candor and kindness without sacrificing results. It’s a must-read.”
— Andrea Owen
Director Human Resources, ALDI Inc.
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“Tough conversations often help build leadership. RAILS-Talk helps you navigate these difficult conversations. You need this book."
— Howard Schlossberg
Associate Professor/Journalism (ret.), Columbia College Chicago