Managing Difficult Conversations Training

Managing Difficult Conversations Training
Available in Canberra

You know that sinking feeling when you realise you need to have "that conversation" with someone at work. Maybe it's the team member who's been coming in late, the colleague who keeps interrupting in meetings, or the employee who's clearly struggling but won't admit it. We've all been there - putting off these conversations until they become bigger problems, or jumping in unprepared and making things worse.

Here's the thing about difficult conversations: they're not going away. And the longer you wait, the harder they get. But what if I told you that with the right approach, these conversations could actually strengthen relationships and solve problems instead of creating more drama?

This training isn't about becoming confrontational or learning corporate scripts that sound robotic. It's about having real, honest conversations that actually work. You'll learn how to address issues before they blow up, how to stay calm when emotions run high, and how to find solutions that everyone can live with.

We'll cover the stuff that really matters: how to prepare for these conversations without over-thinking them, what to say when someone gets defensive (because they will), and how to follow up afterward so nothing falls through the cracks. You'll practice with real scenarios that mirror what's happening in your workplace right now.

The best part? You'll discover that most people actually appreciate direct, honest communication when it's done with respect and genuine care. No more walking on eggshells or hoping problems will magically resolve themselves.

What You'll Learn

How to plan difficult conversations without scripting every word
Techniques for staying composed when the other person gets emotional or defensive
Ways to address the real issue without attacking the person
Strategies for finding common ground even when you disagree
Methods for following up that ensure lasting change
How to recognise when you're avoiding necessary conversations and why
Tools for turning conflict into collaboration

You'll leave with practical phrases you can actually use, a clear framework for tackling tough topics, and the confidence to address issues when they're still manageable. Plus, you'll have strategies for those really tricky situations - like when someone shuts down completely or when you need to deliver news nobody wants to hear.

The Bottom Line

After this training, you'll stop dreading difficult conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to clear the air and move forward. Your team will appreciate your direct approach, problems will get solved faster, and you'll sleep better knowing you're not letting issues fester. This isn't about becoming a different person - it's about giving you the tools to handle workplace tensions with confidence and skill. Because let's face it, avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make them go away - it just makes them harder.