Reviews ASTD Members Only
HBSP E-Learning
I'm a master of avoiding difficult conversations. I dislike creating conflict and too often I go with the flow just to maintain peace. So, with great anticipation, I reviewed "Managing Difficult Conversations" from Harvard Business School Publishing E-Learning.
I wasn’t disappointed.
This online course immediately drew me in. I wanted to gain every ounce of information that it could provide. I discovered tools and learned processes that I will use whenever I face a difficult conversation.
The information in the training is applicable for both work and home, from telling a co-worker that the brochure they produced doesn’t meet your expectations to telling your child that he or she can’t have the new videogame they want.
The training is linear, which I like because I’m always afraid I’m going to miss something when there isn’t an obvious path, and the learning has a logical progression. I also like the abundance of supporting articles by authors such as Peter Senge and Chris Argyris. I printed every single one of them for future reference. A Print icon atop each article makes it easy. As a matter of fact, many of the course’s “Key Points” pages are also easily printable.
The one negative is the lack of interactivity. The course could just as easily be a workbook. I spent a lot of time reading the screen. Yes, there are, at times, voiceovers of what you’re reading on the screen, which periodically addresses those of us who are auditory learners. And there are still photos of the actors in workplace settings depicting the conversations you’re reading and hearing, which in some way addresses those of us who need a visual component to our learning. But neither of those are a substitute for true interactivity.
Recommendation
The content of this course drew me in and is so well written, with lots of feedback loops and lots of review opportunities, that I was able to overlook the lack of interactivity. I think that it’s well worth US$195 per user. (The producer offers volume discounts.) I would’ve liked the opportunity to review the facilitation guide, but it wasn’t provided.
|
|
Managing Difficult Conversations |
| Holds user interest |
|
| Production quality |
|
| Ease of navigation |
|
| Interactivity |
|
| Value of content |
|
| Instructional value |
|
| Value for the money |
|
|
Overall rating |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|