Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

You know that sinking feeling when you need to address someone's performance, deliver disappointing news, or tackle a workplace conflict head-on? Maybe you've been putting off that conversation with a team member who's consistently missing deadlines, or perhaps you need to discuss budget cuts with your department. We've all been there – staring at our computer screen, drafting and redrafting emails because the conversation feels too hard to have face-to-face.

Here's the thing: avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make them disappear. They just get harder and more awkward over time. What starts as a minor performance issue becomes a major problem. A small misunderstanding escalates into team division. The cost of not having these conversations is always higher than the temporary discomfort of having them.

This isn't about becoming confrontational or aggressive – quite the opposite. It's about developing the confidence and skills to address issues directly while maintaining relationships and respect. You'll learn how to prepare for these conversations so you feel less anxious, how to create an environment where people feel safe to be honest, and most importantly, how to navigate the conversation so both parties walk away feeling heard and clear on next steps.

Think about your last difficult conversation at work. Did you spend days worrying about it beforehand? Did you end up saying things you didn't mean or forgetting important points? Many people tell us they either come across as too harsh or too soft – there's rarely a middle ground. This training helps you find that sweet spot where you're direct but empathetic, clear but not brutal.

We'll work through real scenarios you might face: giving feedback to a defensive colleague, discussing poor performance with someone you actually like, having that budget conversation with your boss, or addressing inappropriate behavior. You'll practice these conversations in a safe environment before you need to have them for real.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare mentally and practically for difficult conversations so you feel confident going in
Techniques to stay calm and focused when emotions run high – yours and theirs
Ways to structure the conversation so important points don't get lost or forgotten
Language that addresses issues directly without putting people on the defensive
Methods to listen actively and show empathy while still holding firm boundaries
Strategies for reaching agreements and clear next steps that both parties understand
How to follow up after difficult conversations to maintain relationships and track progress

The Bottom Line

Every day you avoid a difficult conversation, it gets a bit more difficult. This training gives you a practical framework for approaching these conversations with confidence rather than dread. You'll walk away with scripts you can adapt, techniques that actually work in real workplace situations, and most importantly, the knowledge that you can handle whatever conversation comes your way. Whether you're in managing difficult conversations training or need to improve your effective communication training, these skills will serve you well throughout your career.

Available in Brisbane