CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS 3rd EDITION
At VitalSmarts, there is nothing we value more than the feedback we receive from our valued community of Certified Trainers. And we’ve listened. We’ve collected hundreds of your suggestions to improve the training experience and create more predictable outcomes. Crucial Conversations 3rd Edition incorporates your suggestions for a training product that achieves better, more measurable, and longer-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions for 3rd Edition
Q: What’s New for 3rd Edition?
A: The changes included in the new 3rd Edition training are the results of continued observation and trainer recommendations. With the alterations, the 3rd Edition promises more predictable training outcomes and an improved training experience for both Certified Trainers and participants. For a complete list of changes, please download the PDF: “What’s New for 3rd Edition.”
Q: When will 3rd Edition Materials be available?
A: 3rd Edition materials will be available starting August 15, 2006.
Q: Are 3rd Edition Materials compatible with v2.0 Materials?
A: No. All participants in a class must have identical Participant Material Suites that correspond with the presentation being used.
Q: Should clients continue to use their existing supply of v2.0 Participant Toolkits or exchange them for 3rd Edition Participant Suites?
A: Yes. Crucial Conversations Training v2.0 was awarded the 2004 Human Resource Executive Training Product of the Year. The look and feel has been updated but the core content has not changed. We’ve also added tools that simplify the teaching process for our Certified Trainers and tools that help participants master the skills. Hundreds of thousands of people have learned Crucial Conversations skills with v2.0. The 3rd Edition is designed to meet and exceed these same results.
Q: When should our organization switch to 3rd Edition Materials?
A: We’ve left this decision up to the organization. Organizations may continue to use v2.0 materials until their current supplies run out. They may also choose to exchange them through November 15, 2006 for $25 per kit (plus shipping and handling).
Q: Can one company have trainers who are teaching both 3rd Edition and v2.0 at the same time?
A: Yes. We expect a transition period in which both versions of training may be taught simultaneously in certain organizations, until the supply of v2.0 materials is exhausted. Organizations are not required to switch immediately. We recommend switching when the current supply of v2.0 materials has been exhausted. Organizations should contact their VitalSmarts representative to ensure a smooth transition to the 3rd Edition.
Q: If I am certified to teach v2.0, what do I need to do to become certified to teach 3rd Edition?
A: The software platform for the Trainer Presentation has not changed. Certified Trainers who are familiar with v2.0 can easily navigate the 3rd Edition Presentation. Become familiar with the changes in the content by purchasing a 3rd Edition Trainer Suite Upgrade and downloading the PDF document: “What’s New for 3rd Edition.”
Q: If I am a new Certified Trainer who became certified to teach using 3rd Edition, can I teach using v2.0?
A: Yes. However, training v2.0 may take additional and unnecessary preparation since v2.0 contains exercises and examples that were not included in the 3rd Edition Trainer Certification Course. Please also note that Certified Trainers who choose to train v2.0 will need to acquire a v2.0 Leader’s Presentation.
Q: Who needs to purchase the 3rd Edition Trainer’s Suite Upgrade?
A: All current Certified Trainers using v2.0 materials who plan on teaching 3rd Edition will need to purchase the 3rd Edition Trainer’s Suite Upgrade.
Q: Do we have to purchase a 3rd Edition Trainer Suite Upgrade for every Certified Trainer in our organization?
A: Yes. Each organization must purchase a separate Trainer’s Suite for every Certified Trainer they wish to keep active.
Q: If I was just certified using v2.0 materials, do I need to Purchase the 3rd Edition Trainer Suite Upgrade?
A: Trainers who were certified between June 20, 2006 and August 15, 2006 may be eligible for a free Trainer Suite Upgrade. Contact your VitalSmarts Representative to see if you qualify.
Q: How long will v2.0 materials be available for sale?
A: V2.0 materials will be available for sale through November 15, 2006, or until supplies run out. Please plan accordingly.
Q: Why would I want to purchase v2.0 Materials once 3rd Edition Materials are available?
A: There are a few cases in which Certified Trainers may want to continue using v2.0 Materials, including the following:
• They don’t have enough v2.0 materials to supply an entire class and need only a few more to complete the class.
• They will only be teaching a few more classes and do not want to learn the new materials before the training roll-out is complete.
• They wish to temporarily continue using v2.0 because they do not have time to learn the differences between the two versions.
Q: How long will technical support be provided for v2.0?
A: Technical support for v2.0 will be provided through June 1, 2007.
Q: When will public workshops and trainer certification events begin using 3rd Edition materials?
A: Beginning August 15, 2006, all public events will be conducted using 3rd Edition Materials.
Q: Can In-House Trainer Certification events continue to use v2.0 Materials?
A: Yes. Contact your VitalSmarts Representative for details.
Q: What is the cost for exchanging materials?
A: The cost for exchanging materials is $25 per Participant Toolkit and $197 per Trainer Suite (plus shipping and handling). Organizations are required to return all unused v2.0 Participant Toolkits but may keep all v2.0 Trainers Suites.
Q: Is there a price difference between 3rd Edition and v2.0?
A: Yes. However, as an introductory offer, the price increase will not take effect until January 1, 2007. To inquire about pricing contact your VitalSmarts sales representative.
Q: Is Mastery Mission available with v2.0 Participant Toolkits?
A: Yes. In fact, all previous graduates of Crucial Conversations Training, regardless of which Participant Toolkit they received, are eligible to begin the Crucial Conversations Mastery Mission. Please see the Mastery Mission page for more details.
Q: If a participant has completed Crucial Conversations Training v2.0, is there any advantage to taking 3rd Edition?
A: We encourage previous Crucial Conversations Training graduates to take advantage of the opportunity to access the new Mastery Mission follow-up tool free of charge. While reviewing the content by taking the 3rd Edition Training may be helpful, it is not necessary. The concepts in v2.0 and 3rd Edition are similar enough that participants may benefit more by reviewing the concepts through the Mastery Mission than by purchasing another Participant Toolkit and repeating the complete training course.
Q: Are there any new computer System Requirements for Crucial Conversations 3rd Edition?
A: No. The training platform is based on the same software.
Q: Can I have both v2.0 and 3rd Edition Trainer Presentations on my computer at the same time?
A: The default settings will not allow you to maintain both presentations. If you need to have both presentations on your computer, please download the Dual Installation PDF and follow the instructions before you attempt to install the 3rd Edition Trainer Presentation. Download the PDF here.
Q: How can I teach Crucial Conversations Training for Continuing Education Credits?
A: Please see the Continuing Education page (trainer zone access is required) for more info.
