Managing Difficult Conversations Training

Managing Difficult Conversations Training

You know that sinking feeling when you realise you need to have THAT conversation with a colleague, team member, or your boss? The one you've been putting off for weeks because you just don't know how it's going to go? Whether it's addressing poor performance, dealing with a conflict between team members, or having to deliver disappointing news, difficult conversations are part of working life - but that doesn't make them any easier.

Here's the thing: most of us never learned how to handle these situations properly. We either avoid them completely (and watch problems get worse), or we dive in unprepared and end up making things more complicated. I've seen brilliant professionals tie themselves in knots because they're dreading a conversation that could actually solve a problem if handled well.

The truth is, difficult conversations don't have to be disasters waiting to happen. When you know what you're doing, they become powerful tools for clearing the air, solving problems, and actually strengthening working relationships. You'll learn how to prepare for these conversations so you feel confident going in, how to stay calm when emotions run high, and how to guide the discussion toward productive outcomes rather than defensive arguments.

What You'll Learn

You'll discover how to plan difficult conversations so they're focused and productive, not rambling disasters. We'll show you specific techniques for staying calm under pressure and keeping your emotions in check even when the other person gets defensive or upset. You'll practice active listening skills that help people feel heard (which often defuses tension immediately), and learn how to ask the right questions to get to the real issues instead of just symptoms.

We'll cover how to deliver criticism constructively without destroying someone's confidence, how to handle pushback and resistance professionally, and how to find solutions that work for everyone involved. You'll also learn when to pause a conversation that's going nowhere and how to follow up afterward to make sure changes actually stick.

The Bottom Line

After this training, you'll approach difficult conversations with confidence instead of dread. You'll have a clear process to follow, specific phrases that work, and the skills to turn potentially explosive situations into problem-solving opportunities. Available in Brisbane or online, this training gives you the tools to handle workplace conflicts professionally and effectively. Most importantly, you'll stop avoiding the conversations that need to happen - because you'll know exactly how to manage them successfully.