Topic: Curiosity Before Conclusions: Building Trust Through Better HR Conversations

HR professionals are often asked to navigate situations where individuals experience the same workplace event very differently. Whether responding to employee relations concerns, coaching leaders, implementing organizational change, or communicating policy updates, HR practitioners must balance empathy, accountability, and business needs while avoiding assumptions that can create misunderstanding and erode trust.

This interactive session explores how differing workplace expectations, communication styles, and perspectives shape employee experiences and workplace interactions. Drawing from cultural awareness concepts and practical HR application, participants will learn how to move beyond assumptions and approach workplace challenges with greater curiosity, objectivity, and effectiveness. Cultural Dimensions Theory is introduced as one of several tools for understanding patterns of workplace behavior, while emphasizing that individuals should never be reduced to labels or stereotypes. The focus remains on practical HR application rather than theory alone.

Participants will be introduced to the HR Perspective Shift Framework: Notice, Name, Neutralize, and Navigate, a simple yet practical model designed to help HR professionals explore multiple perspectives, separate behavior from intent, and facilitate more productive workplace conversations. Through discussion, reflection, and real-world examples, attendees will learn how to identify underlying assumptions, ask more effective questions, and communicate in ways that reduce defensiveness while maintaining accountability and organizational standards.

During a facilitated small-group case study, participants will apply the framework to a realistic workplace scenario involving policy implementation, differing employee expectations, and leadership response. Working collaboratively, they will identify assumptions influencing the situation, explore multiple perspectives, develop communication strategies to increase clarity and trust, and discuss practical applications within employee relations, leadership coaching, policy communication, investigations, and change management.

Attendees will leave with a practical framework, immediately applicable coaching language, and actionable tools to help them lead more effective conversations, build trust, and navigate complex workplace situations with greater confidence and curiosity.

Speaker: Elyse Perry, MBA, SHRM-CP, HR Manager, Members 1 st FCU

Elyse Perry is a Human Resources Manager at Members 1st Federal Credit Union, where she leads talent acquisition and associate relations efforts across more than 50 branch locations in Pennsylvania. With a background in retail and banking leadership, Elyse brings a practical perspective to performance management, leadership development, and employee engagement. She holds an MBA from Webster University, bachelor's degree from Missouri State University, and is SHRM-CP certified. Elyse is passionate about helping leaders build high-performing teams and create workplaces where employees can thrive.

Sponsored by:

Session is pending 1.0 SHRM/HRCI recertification credits.