Viswa K. Prasanna's Linkedin Analytics

A life-long student of both conflict resolution and group communication, for nearly a decade and a half I facilitated conflict-resolution workshops (AVP) within maximum security correctional facilities. I worked almost exclusively with violent offenders and rival gang members, and engaged in the real-time mediation and de-escalation of dozens of conflicts. It was in those closed weekend-long workshops, amongst dozens of wary and skeptical prisoners (no guards were allowed), where I developed the time-sensitive skill of engendering “mutual respect and trust”. Yet once established, I discovered that nearly any group dynamic became possible, including creating camaraderie and trust amongst strangers, and even bitter rivals. Subsequent work as a Hospice Volunteer, along with additional counseling work, provided me with an even deeper understanding of the power and value of Listening. When you work with the terminally ill, you learn to open your ears and shut your mouth. Listening begets empathy. And empathy is the key to all vibrant, health communication. Finally, my work as the executive director of the Phoenix Association, a non-profit dedicated to criminal justice reform, expanded my understanding of story-sharing and generative listening. I coordinated the development of an experiential, ground-breaking program designed to reintroduce a sense of humanity within the DOC, a characteristic pointedly absent in the opaque behemoth, both by culture and policy. A critical component of the workshops, which brought formerly incarcerated men and women together with senior management in Corrections, was that it avoided finger-pointing, recriminations, and the assigning of blame. Instead, it developed trust though “truth-telling”, and the sharing of personal stories. While very well received, more importantly, it proved that commonalities can be used to forge bonds and empathy nearly instantly. Even among those with a fundamental and deep distrust of one another. Carrying these lessons forward, I now work with individuals, teams, and organizations, on improving their communication and developing deep-rooted trust. I employ a holistic, people-first approach which leads to greater camaraderie, productivity, well being, retention, customer satisfaction, and revenues. I belive in win-win, and can show you how to get there! Accordingly, Viswa’s proven ability to rapidly alter existing group dynamics and communication, particularly in high-stakes and emotionally-charged of environments, leaves him uniquely qualified as a leader in the field.