Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

You know that sinking feeling when you spot your colleague's name on your calendar for "that conversation" you've been putting off for weeks? Whether it's addressing someone's poor performance, delivering unwelcome news, or navigating a workplace conflict that's making everyone uncomfortable, we've all been there. You rehearse what you'll say in the shower, practice your diplomatic phrases, and then somehow it still goes sideways.

Here's the thing - difficult conversations don't have to feel like walking through a minefield. The difference between conversations that blow up and ones that actually solve problems isn't luck or natural talent. It's having a practical framework that works in real situations, not just in theory.

I've watched too many good managers tie themselves in knots trying to be "nice" about serious issues, only to have the same problems resurface months later. And I've seen others go in guns blazing, thinking directness equals effectiveness, then wonder why their team walks on eggshells around them. Both approaches miss the mark because they focus on the wrong things.

This training gives you concrete strategies that actually work when emotions are running high and stakes matter. You'll learn how to stay calm when the other person gets defensive, how to manage difficult conversations without losing your message in corporate speak, and how to follow up in ways that prevent the same issues from recurring.

We'll work through real scenarios you're likely to face - the team member who takes feedback personally, the colleague who dominates meetings, the employee whose personal issues are affecting their work. You'll practice having these conversations in a safe environment where you can mess up, get feedback, and try again before you're back in your office dealing with the real thing.

What You'll Learn

You'll walk away knowing exactly how to prepare for challenging discussions so you feel confident rather than anxious. We'll cover how to open these conversations in ways that reduce defensiveness and keep people engaged rather than shutting down. You'll get specific phrases and techniques for staying on track when emotions escalate, plus practical methods for ensuring your message actually lands the way you intended.

Most importantly, you'll learn how to turn these conversations into problem-solving sessions rather than confrontations. This includes how to handle workplace anxiety that often accompanies tough discussions, both your own and others'. You'll discover how to create action plans that stick and how to follow up effectively without feeling like you're nagging.

We'll also tackle the tricky stuff most training glosses over - what to do when someone starts crying, how to handle accusations of unfairness, and how to maintain relationships after addressing serious issues. Plus, you'll get templates and checklists you can actually use back at work.

The Bottom Line

Stop dreading these conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to solve problems and strengthen relationships. When you handle difficult discussions well, you're not just addressing immediate issues - you're building trust, demonstrating leadership, and creating a workplace where people feel heard and valued. Your team will respect your honesty, and you'll sleep better knowing you're addressing problems before they become bigger problems.

This isn't about becoming a confrontational person or learning to "win" arguments. It's about developing the confidence and skills to have honest, productive conversations that actually improve things for everyone involved.

Location: Melbourne