Managing Difficult Conversations Training

Managing Difficult Conversations Training

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, or the feedback session that's going to be awkward no matter how you approach it. We've all been there - staring at our computer screen, crafting and re-crafting emails to avoid having the conversation face-to-face. Whether it's addressing poor performance, discussing a workplace conflict, or delivering disappointing news, difficult conversations are part of professional life, but nobody really teaches you how to handle them well.

Here's the thing - most of us learned conversation skills by watching our parents or previous managers, and let's be honest, that's not always the best training. You might be the type who avoids conflict at all costs, letting issues fester until they explode, or maybe you're more direct but sometimes come across harsher than you intended. Neither approach works particularly well, and both leave you feeling drained and frustrated.

This training takes a completely practical approach to something every leader and team member faces regularly. You'll learn how to structure conversations so they actually achieve something positive, rather than just making everyone uncomfortable. We'll cover how to prepare mentally (because yes, that pre-conversation anxiety is totally normal), how to create the right environment, and most importantly, how to keep things focused on solutions rather than getting bogged down in blame or defensiveness.

The real game-changer is learning how to navigate the emotional side of these conversations. People don't become difficult because they wake up wanting to make your day harder - usually there's something else going on. You'll discover techniques for active listening that actually help defuse tension, and ways to acknowledge emotions without letting them derail the entire conversation. We'll also tackle those moments when conversations go sideways and you need to get things back on track.

What You'll Learn:
- How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident walking in
- Techniques for staying calm when emotions run high (yours and theirs)
- The difference between being direct and being harsh
- How to deliver feedback that people can actually hear and act on
- Ways to handle defensive responses without getting defensive yourself
- Scripts and frameworks for common difficult conversation scenarios
- How to follow up after tough conversations to ensure real change happens
- Strategies for managing emotions in the workplace during challenging discussions

The Bottom Line:
Difficult conversations don't have to be career-limiting disasters or relationship-ending events. With the right approach, they can actually strengthen working relationships and solve problems that have been festering for months. You'll leave this training in Perth with practical tools you can use immediately, plus the confidence to address issues before they become bigger problems. Most importantly, you'll stop dreading these conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to create positive change in your workplace.