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OPEN · Support Others
The conversation you've been putting off.
People see the signs in a colleague and say nothing, not from indifference but from fear of saying the wrong thing. OPEN gives that conversation a structure, and rehearses it until it feels possible.
1 day or a 12-week journey
Virtual or in person
Live roleplays with observers
Open to everyone
Opening line, rehearsed
"I've noticed the last two reports came in later than usual."
When OPEN is the right fit
Camera off for three weeksA clear change in someone, and no one sure how to raise it.
"I'm struggling"And the urge to fix it before you've understood it.
Handle it, or escalate?Knowing when a conversation needs more support than you can give.
Learning outcomes
- 01Notice behavioural change early, and separate what you see from what you assume
- 02Listen without rushing to fix
- 03Open a capacity conversation without implying weakness
- 04Agree two or three healthy norms with the people you work with
- 05Know when to handle it yourself, and when to escalate
Core tools and frameworks
H.E.A.R.Hold judgment, Explore, Acknowledge, Respond or refer. Listening as a learnable skill.
O.P.E.N.Observe, Prompt, Explore, Negotiate. Four moves for the most avoided conversation.
Healthy Norms MenuMeeting load, reply times, cover during leave, visible workload.
Escalation Quick-CheckHandle it, loop in HR, or escalate now. A clear line, every time.
The 12-week learning journey
Week 1The workshop dayLive roleplays with briefed observers.
Weeks 2–4One real conversationHeld with O.P.E.N., then a peer debrief.
Weeks 5–9Norms and clinicsNew norms tried, live situations worked through.
Weeks 10–12What changedRe-assessment, peer feedback and a next-quarter commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a manager?
No. Anyone who works with people has these conversations. OPEN is for everyone.
Does this turn people into counsellors?
No. It builds listening and conversation skills, with a clear line for when to refer someone on.
One day or 12 weeks?
Same content. The journey adds real conversations and follow-up, so the change lasts.