Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

Ever walked into a meeting knowing you need to address something uncomfortable, but your stomach's in knots? You're not alone. We've all been there – whether it's telling someone their performance isn't cutting it, addressing a colleague who's constantly negative, or having to deliver bad news that nobody wants to hear. The thing is, avoiding these conversations doesn't make them go away. They just get harder.

I've watched managers tie themselves in knots trying to find the "perfect moment" or the "right words" to tackle tough topics. Meanwhile, the problem festers, team morale drops, and everyone's walking on eggshells. Here's what I've learned after years of coaching people through these situations: there's no magic formula, but there are proven techniques that make these conversations way less painful and much more productive.

This course isn't about becoming confrontational or aggressive – quite the opposite. You'll learn how to approach sensitive topics with confidence while maintaining respect and professionalism. We'll work through real scenarios that happen every day: the team member who's always making excuses, the colleague who takes credit for others' work, or the client who's demanding unrealistic timelines. You'll practice dealing with difficult behaviours in a safe environment before you need to use these skills back at work.

The biggest revelation most people have is that difficult conversations don't have to be confrontational battles. When you approach them with the right framework and mindset, they often become turning points that actually strengthen relationships and improve workplace dynamics. You'll discover how to prepare effectively, stay calm under pressure, and guide conversations toward positive outcomes even when emotions are running high.

What You'll Learn

You'll master a step-by-step process for planning and conducting difficult conversations that gets results without damaging relationships. We'll cover how to separate facts from emotions, use specific language that reduces defensiveness, and handle common reactions like anger, tears, or complete shutdown. You'll practice active listening techniques that help people feel heard while keeping the conversation on track. We'll also work on your own emotional regulation – staying composed when someone's pushing your buttons or trying to derail the discussion.

You'll learn to recognize the warning signs that a conversation is going off the rails and how to bring it back to productive territory. We'll explore different communication styles and how to adapt your approach based on who you're talking to. Plus, you'll get practical scripts and frameworks you can use immediately, whether you're dealing with performance issues, workplace conflicts, or managing difficult conversations with clients or stakeholders.

The Bottom Line

After this course, you'll stop dreading those tough conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to solve problems and build stronger working relationships. You'll have concrete tools and techniques that work in real-world situations, not just in theory. Most importantly, you'll gain the confidence to address issues early before they become major problems. Your team will respect your directness and fairness, and you'll create a culture where honest communication is the norm, not the exception.

Location: Adelaide