Deborah Rossouw

This section outlines programs for professional development and personal development, colour-coded for your convenience and
listed first to give a big picture view. Thereafter the detail of each is provided separately, with feedback at the very end of this section.

PROFESSIONAL Development:

-Find Your Voice – Tips to hold your ground with power and dignity!

- Authentic Assertion  at Work – Inspire action and get results!

- Speak from Your Presence and Power – a program for leaders

PERSONAL Development Programs:
- The Connected Couple – a program for couples in committed relationship

- WonderfulWoman! 1 – Discover the Wonder of You! One-day experience! -
Inner tools to nurture and connect your heart, mind and soul for life!

- WonderfulWoman! 2 -The Extra-ordinary You! Weekend Experience!
Come ready to be inspired and to come home to yourself!

- Customized Coaching – (please see the Coaching section for details)

Please scroll down to read more on your area of interest.
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—PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT— (in blue, plus  feedback in blue)

• Find Your Voice –Tips to hold your ground with power and dignity!

When we express ourselves, we are often unaware of the additional messages we might be communicating. Besides the words we speak, people pick up on how okay or not okay we feel about ourselves, including our sense of well-being and self identity.

For women in leadership, the ability to express divergent views and hold our own is crucial to establishing our credibility and effectiveness. When we feel passionate about something, we are often able to express ourselves clearly, calmly and assertively.

At other times, we might hold back from voicing an opinion, especially if it challenges the status quo, for fear of criticism or opposition. These moments can feel extremely inhibiting or downright scary, especially for women entering the leadership arena.

In the face of opposition, imagined or real, how can we connect with our true selves, stand our ground and express our true voice? And, how can we do this with grace and integrity?

This mini-workshop will begin to reveal the importance of being congruent – so that our words and non-verbal signals are in alignment. It’s this alignment that resonates with others and establishes trust and respect which are essential to all relationships.

When we are congruent and express our true voice that is when we hold our ground with power and dignity!

The aim of this mini-workshop is for you to:
• Gain awareness of how the unconscious mind impacts communication style
• Learn to distinguish your true voice from the pseudo voice
• Walk away with some tips on how to hold your ground with power and dignity!
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• Speak from Your Presence and Power! – For Leaders

One measure of a quality organization is the quality of the conversations its people are engaged in. When people can speak their truth, without recrimination, and feel heard, it reflects a culture of trust where truth, integrity and innovation can flourish. Would others say this about your organization? Would you?

Quality conversations are central to every transaction, whether in the board room, with stakeholders, between leaders and their teams or between staff and clients. The healthier the quality of communication, the healthier the organization and the greater the impact on the organization’s bottom line, every time!

How present are you when you speak to others? How do you know?

Do you invite connection or confrontation?
What happens to you when others disagree with your viewpoint or criticize your contributions? Do you know how to share your truth with courage and stand your ground in spite of others’ reactions to what you have to share? Do you know how to return quickly to your center and to speak from that place of power inside you? What are the characteristics of the social field you are creating around you?

Is it important for you to:

• Unclog the airwaves – with clients, colleagues, partners, suppliers or stakeholders?
• Speak your truth?
• Establish or re-ignite connection, cooperation and ease?
• Create a social field that invites authentic relating?If you replied ‘yes’ to any of these, then this workshop is for you!

I empower you as business leader, business partner or individual to:

• Speak from a deeper part of yourself,
• Relate more authentically and to
• Inspire action and get results!

You will:

· Learn to connect with your center and express yourself from a state of presence
· Explore the pitfalls and power of your own invisible communication
· Build trust and respect through truth telling
· Make clear requests using the ten conditions so you get positive
results

You will be equipped to take right actions that will positively impact your professional and personal relationships!

Best audience:
- Leaders, managers, decision-makers

Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com
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• Authentic Assertion at Work – inspire action and gets results!
  - For staff and front-line leaders Equips front-line leaders and staff to be more assertive, self-directed and self-correcting in their interactions with others
  
• Do you want to improve the quality of your relating at work and at home?
• Would you like to better manage the power balance within your relationships?
• Would you like to master difficult interactions?
• Do you say want to say ‘no’ instead of yes’?
• Do have difficulty getting work done through others?
• Do you struggle with telling the truth about job performance?
  
• Do you ever need to manage others’ expectations, yet have difficulty doing so?
• Do you ever experience frustration because you feel misunderstood?

If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, then this workshop may benefit you and those you interact with.

Authentic assertion is the most misunderstood and under-utilized communication style. However, when appropriately applied, this communication skill significantly enhances workplace respect and trust. Leaders who know how to sense and respond to others through assertive conversations, inspire action and get better results.

Over the past twenty-two years of facilitating personal and professional development programs, and specifically authentic assertion skills, our clients have consistently reported:

• significantly enhanced self-confidence,
• clarity of expression,
• clarity of communication,
• an increased sense of personal power and
• increased emotional safety.All of these lead to greater productivity and job satisfaction within the workplace, as well as greater well-being at home.

We attribute these successful outcomes to the fact that our program is relevant, practical and skills-based. Participants apply their learning to real-life situations within the classroom thus increasing skills transfer to their work and home lives.

You will:

· Enhance your confidence and clarity as you learn to apply more
effective relating skills
· Explore the pitfalls and power of your own invisible communication
· Build trust and respect through clear, honest self relating
· Learn to respond assertively instead of submissively or aggressively
· Say ‘no’ appropriately without feeling guilty
· Give constructive feedback, respectfully and clearly
· Make clear requests using the ten conditions
· Achieve more emotionally satisfying relationships with others

This rewarding, intensive workshop will help you maximize your strengths and improve your development areas through realistic, fun and relevant real plays. You will be equipped to express yourself more courageous and clearly as you begin to establish clear boundaries and  express your truth. You will begin to experience the confidence that comes from speaking from your presence and authentic power, rather than from habituated reactivity.

Duration
3 days of skills development, delivered in the following formats:
Three consecutive days or three 1-day modules over a period of three weeks, or as negotiated. Can be customized to meet your needs.

Best audience
Workplace: Leaders, managers and front-line staff
Home: Parents, care-givers, couples, individuals

Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com
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—Personal Development- (in brown, with feedback at end in brown too)

The CONNECTED COUPLE – for Couples
A program for Couples who understand the significant benefits that investing in their life-long partnership can bring!

Overview

1 – How your past influences the present
Why we fall for tall dark short fat handsome blonde pretty thin people

2 – About individuality and emotional connection
Get a return on your emotional investment

3 – Learning to speak from your heart
The rewards of authentic communication

4 – What’s after the Kama Sutra?
About lovemaking and exquisite sex

5 – Growing closer is a conscious choice
The practice of intimacy

Go to http://www.encounterlove.com   for more details

Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com
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WonderfulWoman! 1 – Discover the Wonder of You! The One-day Experience! Inner tools to Nurture and Connect Your Heart, Mind and Soul for Life!

WonderfulWoman! 2 – The Extra-ordinary You Weekend Experience!
Come ready to be inspired and to come home to yourself – to re-connect with your Inner Being, for Life!

Join Deborah for an Experience to be remembered!

It’s time to get revitalized, re-energized and more deeply connected to the essence of who You truly are as a Unique, Dynamic and Wonderful Woman! Explore and celebrate the wonder and uniqueness of You!

You will learn:

• Unique self-contact skills to instill a ‘felt-sense’ of inner calm
• Tools to tap into your true nature and experience your intuition more deeply
• Tools to reduce stress so you can relate to others with greater confidence, clarity and ease!

The WonderfulWoman Experience of discovering the extra-ordinary within you will delight and re-awaken you to the Essence of who you are! And, you will walk away with self-support skills for life!

Target audience: Women only!

• Women from 18 and older.
• Groups of Girlfriends who want to bond even more.
• Single women wanting to meet other like-minded women
• Longstanding friends re-connecting with one another
• Sisters, cousins, aunts – wanting closer connection
• Female work groups who want a Unique experience together.
• Mothers and daughters (‘in-law’ combinations too!)
• Re-unions

This Experience is not to be missed! Join me! You’ll be thrilled you did!

Limited to small groups.

Options: The One-day Experience  or The Weekend Experience

Stephanie Nekka – Maritime Life Assurance
This is a wonderful experience. Deborah, I could listen to you all day. You present the subject matter in such a way that keeps us wanting more. I have learned so much from you and this program. I have never been in a class environment where I have felt so comfortable sharing with others. I can’t wait to use the skills I have learned and to tell others about the benefits of this program.

Lanna Prowse – Sales and Customer Care Specialist, Metropolitan Halifax Chamber of Commerce
I am just thrilled to have been included in this workshop. Thank you for a terrific program. It went by so quickly! Your open and inclusive teaching method makes it very easy for people to learn and express themselves. I was surprised to realize the different methods in which you may choose to communicate depending on the relationship of the person you are dealing with. I am excited to continue the process and discover more in the area of “genuine self” and also the piece on criticism. Yours in curiosity…Lanna.

Anon – [Name not disclosed in respect of confidentiality]
This course has done wonderful things for me. I was very unsure of myself, my doctor had me on anti-depressants and I was just having a bad time with life in general. A couple of months after taking this course I started my own business, came off the drugs and generally had a different outlook on life. I feel better and I have taken complete control of my life.

Dr. Mark Knechtel – Senior faculty member- Dalhousie Dentistry Dept.
I have really appreciated having the different types of behaviours so clearly described, along with receiving the tools for becoming more assertive in responses and more empathic in my life. Clearly laid out steps to advance along the path break it down to something that is ‘doable’, rather something that I should have dealt with years ago. I do feel that this type of training should be integrated into a school curriculum rather sooner than later.

Sharon MacGregor
It has been a wonderful and uplifting experience for me. I have learnt not to be so hard on myself and also, I have overcome, with practice, not being so quiet. It has lifted my self esteem and I know now how to say ‘no’ in a positive way. I have also found that with the self talk and positive attitude I have become a better person, both professionally and in my personal life. I now can deal with things that are going on at work and help others.

Anon
This course has done wonderful things for me. I was very unsure of myself, my doctor had me on anti-depressants and I was just having a bad time with life in general. A couple of months after taking this course I started my own business, came off the drugs and generally had a different outlook on life. I feel better and I have taken complete control of my life.
[Name not disclosed in the interests of confidentiality]

Dave Smith – Maritime Life Assurance
This workshop has meant that I now have the tools and techniques to deal with aggressive behaviours from others in a way which resolves the issues but maintains the relationship. Thank you for that gift!

Lesley Cameron – Maritime Life Assurance
The tools that I have been given have given me the strength to be assertive with confidence, and without guilt. I am more capable of responding to situations that are difficult by not having an emotional response.

Mylene Desjardins – Maritime Life Assurance
This course showed me that I had to take responsibility for my own actions and to be true to myself. I’m now able to communicate with ease with different personality types that I was unable to confront before. I feel free! Others can now perceive the real me.

More information on authentic assertion at work:
The skills and techniques I offer have been tried and tested over the past 22 years and have enhanced the quality of conversations in large leading corporations, in government, in financial institutions, at universities, in health care, with small businesses and not-for profit associations. Are you ready to leverage your relating skills? You know it’s up to you!

As a professional member of CAPS, and a Certified Integral Coach, I’ve had the privilege of working with executive leaders, business partners and individuals on three continents, including the Middle East. My unique approach will challenge and inspire you!

Book me today! You will walk away energized to take actions that will positively impact your work and personal relationships. I’d love to hear from you.
Call me!
1-778-386-5168
or email me: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com

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Personal Development  – CLIENTS FEEDBACK

Clients FEEDBACK from The CONNECTED COUPLE Program:

Dr Mark Knechtel – Dentist on Faculty of Dalhousie University
Thank you for inviting us to The CONNECTED COUPLE seminar. I was so grateful to receive the tools and framework to build our relationship. We were given a guideline and a system that can be used and perhaps modified to work on our lives together. I thought that each module built well on the previous ones.

At the outset I felt that a full weekend from Friday night to late Saturday night through Sunday afternoon might be a bit much, but found the time did flow by nicely. There was a lot of information to be gotten through. I felt that the seminar was strong the way it was presented.
I appreciated your adaptability in sensing and going over some areas that our group was focused upon – your ability to shift gears to go through the material more quickly or slowly as needed, and the sense of self that you emanated so effortlessly. We appreciate your friendship more than you may know.

Maria Knechtel – Bookkeeper
I would recommend The CONNECTED COUPLE seminar to any couple considering marriage or those in a long term relationship. I found the content of the program very insightful and both Deborah and Dene very knowledgeable and appreciated their kind and gentle approach. I was challenged to think through my beliefs and open up to a world of new ideas regarding relationships and the importance of communication. I feel so incredibly grateful to have been able to take part in this experience. Thank you so much Deborah and Dene for a wonderful weekend!

Danny Clements – Fisherman
I really enjoyed this program! I feel it will be a definite benefit in my marriage. Coming in, the actual issue of commitment to my partner was not an issue. However this program has equipped me with the tools which can help me improve, enhance and deepen that commitment.
A marriage is a work in progress, which continually evolves and anybody in a committed relationship who strives for growth in that union can use the principles in this program. Furthermore, it is never too early or too late in a relationship to employ these skills. Bravo!

Rhondalynn Clements – Housewife
I really enjoyed this weekend and I have learned a lot. I am looking forward to assimilating and working things differently with Dan my man!

I was surprised with the amount of information and time spent discussing sex – how to make it rock and how very important it is to a committed, intimate relationship with each other. I guess I thought my husband was just ‘using a line on me’. So…all you men out there, if more and better sex is your desire, bring your wives to The CONNECTED COUPLE workshop and get real with each other.

Michelle Cormier
The CONNECTED COUPLE has been a huge eye-opener in terms of taking each others feelings into consideration and becoming more open with one another.
It was wonderful how Deborah and Dene shared stories of their relationship to one another as well as past relationships. It made me realize how important it is to find your authentic self and allow it to take you on your journey.

Being married for only seven months, I feel we have been given tools to enhance our relationship and really get to know one another better through proper communication and intimacy.

I would highly recommend The CONNECTED COUPLE to ALL couples!

Mark Cormier
My immediate reaction to the program is as follows:
· Pleased with how key points were referenced with real life examples we could all relate to on a personal level · Being newly weds, we learnt how to maintain and grow a stronger, more loving relationship with powerful tools that we will use for a lifetime · Felt comfortable creating open discussion of all topics and asking questions at any time · I was very impressed with the quality of the program – very professional · The setting was comfortable and the experience was life changing!

Dwight Richards
Although we have been married for ten years, and had numerous conversations, we covered unexplored ground this weekend. We felt comfortable talking about things that in the past we hadn’t shared with each other.
Our homework ‘date’ was unlike any other we’d ever experienced.
I look forward to developing our newfound relationship. We have made our strong feelings for one another even stronger.
We learned to “Be curious”. I sincerely want to thank you for a fantastic weekend. Many thanks!

Jan Richards
This fabulous workshop is for every committed couple interested in improving their relationship! It should be attended within the first year of marriage or co-habitation and repeated every ten years for couples to review and renew their commitment to each other.
Thank you for a wonderful weekend. Dwight and I really enjoyed the course and learning from you and Dene – you are great role models!
Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com
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CLIENTS FEEDBACK – WonderfulWoman!

Ruth Harding - Realtor, Halifax Nova Scotia
Deborah, thank you for ‘being you’ and the guidance in learning to let my authentic me be nurtured. I have been so looking forward to this day. The sharing with friends, the exercising and even the ‘creative’ tasks were enjoyable. I truly recommend this day to all women – we are worth it!

Janet Marsman -Realtor Assistant, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Today I experienced total and complete spiritual love and friendship. I am leaving with a new awareness and understanding of my journey in life. Deborah, you are a blessed person, a true ‘wonderful woman’, thank you.

Tanya Boutilier - Regional Manager DownEast Communications
This day has been everything you have promised. Full of curiosity and self exploration. Thank you for the insight.

Michele Ryall - DownEast Communications
Deborah, your warm and generous spirit shines through in your words, your voice and your smile. This experience has allowed me to slow myself down and take the time to nurture me, instead of using my limited time to take care of others. And in doing this, it has made me more loving of others. I will always stay curious! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Michelle Thomasson – Freelance Writer
Thanks for the day! The candle. The soup. The thoughtful activities. The stone.
I enjoyed this day connecting with my heart and ways to nurture it and me! You create a special space for sharing and thinking and reflecting and being curious. A gift I will enjoy always!

Elaine Downes -Administrator, Maritime Life, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Deborah, Thank you for helping me keep my heart open and to remind myself to love myself. A tremendously satisfying experience!

Maria Markusson - Administrator, Maritime Life
The Wonderful Woman Workshop was a lovely gift for myself. Having the opportunity to reflect and share with other women who are also on a journey to personal development. It was so worthwhile. Thank you!

Wendy Fesmire -IT Manager, Maritime Life
Deborah – Great experience! I wasn’t sure what to expect but I enjoyed the day and the people. It was a grand opportunity to learn more about my daughter and to share this type of warm experience with her.

Kate Fesmire - Student
I enjoyed the time spent just nurturing myself. I especially enjoyed the bonding time with my mother and other women. Being open myself allowed me to connect with people who in most other situations in my life I would not have had the chance to talk to. Thank you!

Maria Knechtel - Dental Technician
The WonderfulWoman Experience is something I did for me! It has been wonderful to connect with other women. It is amazing how much we have in common as well as how unique we each are. It has been a treat!

Rosemary Stovell -Massage Therapist, St Marageret’s Bay, Nova Scotia
Today has been a validation and reinforcement with regard to what I know I need to do for myself – that is: to nurture myself. Thank you!
Contact me:
Tel: 778-386-5168
email: Deborah[at]authenticdialogue.com

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