Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

You know that feeling when you see someone's name pop up on your calendar and your stomach drops? That conversation you've been putting off for weeks because you know it's going to be uncomfortable? We've all been there. Whether it's addressing poor performance, delivering disappointing news, or working through a conflict with a colleague, difficult conversations are part of working life - but that doesn't mean they have to be dreaded.

Here's the thing: most of us never learned how to have these conversations properly. We either avoid them until they explode into bigger problems, or we dive in unprepared and make things worse. Sound familiar? The good news is that with the right approach and some practical techniques, you can turn these challenging discussions into opportunities for positive change and stronger relationships.

In this managing difficult conversations training, you'll discover how to approach sensitive topics with confidence and skill. We'll cover everything from preparing for the conversation (because winging it rarely works) to managing emotions - both yours and theirs. You'll learn how to stay calm when tensions rise, how to listen in a way that actually defuses conflict, and how to find solutions that work for everyone involved.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident going in, not like you're walking into a minefield. We'll show you how to structure your thoughts and anticipate potential reactions.

Techniques for staying calm and composed when emotions run high - because someone needs to be the steady one in the room, and it might as well be you.

The art of active listening that actually helps people feel heard, even when you're delivering news they don't want to hear.

How to deliver feedback that motivates change rather than creating defensiveness or resentment.

Strategies for finding common ground and collaborative solutions, even when you start from opposite corners.

Ways to follow up effectively so the conversation leads to real improvement, not just temporary peace.

We'll practice with real scenarios you might face - from addressing attendance issues to navigating personality clashes. You'll leave with managing emotions in the workplace skills and a toolkit of phrases and approaches you can use immediately.

The Bottom Line

Those conversations you've been avoiding? They're not going away, and they're probably getting harder the longer you wait. This training gives you the skills and confidence to handle them professionally and effectively. You'll stop dreading these discussions and start seeing them as opportunities to solve problems and build stronger working relationships. Plus, your colleagues will appreciate working with someone who can address issues directly but respectfully.

Available in Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, or Online.