Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane
Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane
You know that feeling when you need to have "that conversation" with someone at work? Your stomach drops, you rehearse what you're going to say in your head about fifty times, and you still end up either avoiding it completely or stumbling through it awkwardly. Whether it's giving someone feedback about their performance, addressing a conflict between team members, or having to tell someone their project isn't working out, these conversations are never easy - but they're absolutely necessary.
The thing is, most of us were never actually taught how to handle these situations properly. We learned through trial and error, watching others fumble through them, or worse - we learned to avoid them entirely. But here's what I've discovered after years of training managers and team leaders: difficult conversations don't have to be traumatic experiences that keep you up at night. They can actually become opportunities to strengthen relationships and solve problems when you know what you're doing.
In this hands-on training, you'll learn the practical skills that turn dreaded conversations into productive discussions. We're not talking about theory here - this is about real techniques you can use Monday morning when you walk back into your office. You'll discover how to prepare for these conversations so you feel confident going in, how to stay calm when emotions start running high, and how to guide the discussion toward solutions rather than blame.
What You'll Learn:
How to plan and structure difficult conversations so they stay on track and achieve your goals. You'll learn exactly what to say in those crucial opening moments and how to set the right tone from the start. We'll cover techniques for staying objective and focused on behaviors and outcomes rather than getting caught up in personality conflicts or emotional reactions.
The art of active listening during tense situations - because half the battle is making the other person feel heard and understood. You'll practice managing emotions in the workplace both your own and theirs, and learn how to de-escalate when things start getting heated.
How to deliver feedback that's direct but not brutal, and how to receive pushback without getting defensive. You'll also learn strategies for finding common ground and moving toward solutions, even when you're dealing with someone who seems completely unreasonable.
Practical techniques for following up after difficult conversations to ensure lasting change and maintain working relationships. We'll also cover how to document these conversations appropriately and when to involve HR or senior management.
The Bottom Line:
After this training, you'll actually look forward to having those tough conversations because you'll know exactly how to handle them professionally and effectively. You'll spend less time worrying and more time solving problems. Your team will respect your direct but fair approach, and you'll find that addressing issues early prevents them from becoming major workplace dramas. Most importantly, you'll develop the confidence that comes from knowing you can communicate effectively in any situation that comes your way.