Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

You know that feeling when you see someone's name pop up on your calendar and your stomach drops? Or when you have to give feedback that you know won't go down well, so you keep putting it off until the situation gets worse? Yeah, we've all been there. Whether it's addressing poor performance, dealing with a colleague who constantly interrupts in meetings, or having to tell a client their project is behind schedule, these conversations feel impossible before you have them.

Here's the thing - most of us weren't taught how to handle these situations properly. We either avoid them completely (making everything worse), go in guns blazing (making everyone defensive), or try to be so nice that our message gets completely lost. Sound familiar? The truth is, difficult conversations don't have to be career-ending disasters or relationship destroyers. They can actually strengthen working relationships when you know what you're doing.

This course isn't about learning corporate speak or memorising scripts that make you sound like a robot. It's about getting practical tools that actually work in real workplace situations. You'll learn how to prepare for tough conversations so you're not winging it, how to stay calm when the other person gets emotional, and how to have honest discussions without damaging relationships. We'll cover everything from dealing with defensive colleagues to managing up when your boss is making unrealistic demands.

The best part? You'll practice these skills in a safe environment where you can make mistakes and learn from them. We use real workplace scenarios - not theoretical textbook examples that bear no resemblance to your actual job. You'll work through role-plays based on situations like giving negative feedback to a long-term employee, addressing communication issues with remote team members, or navigating conflicts between departments.

What You'll Learn

You'll discover how to plan difficult conversations so they're productive rather than destructive. This means knowing what outcome you want, choosing the right time and place, and preparing for different reactions. You'll learn specific phrases and techniques that keep conversations on track, even when emotions run high. We'll show you how to listen properly (it's harder than it sounds) and how to ask questions that get to the root of problems rather than just treating symptoms.

You'll also master the art of giving feedback that people can actually hear and act on. This includes learning when to be direct versus when to ease into topics, how to focus on behaviours rather than personality, and how to end conversations with clear next steps. Plus, you'll get strategies for managing your own emotions during stressful conversations and techniques for staying professional when the other person isn't.

The Bottom Line

After this course, you'll actually look forward to addressing issues head-on because you'll know how to do it effectively. Instead of letting problems fester until they become major dramas, you'll have the confidence to tackle them early when they're easier to resolve. Your colleagues will appreciate your direct but respectful approach, and you'll build a reputation as someone who can handle tough situations with professionalism. Most importantly, you'll stop losing sleep over conversations you need to have because you'll know exactly how to approach them.

Location: Adelaide