Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane
Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane
You know that feeling when you need to have a tough conversation with someone at work, and you've been putting it off for weeks? Maybe it's addressing poor performance with a team member, dealing with a colleague who keeps missing deadlines, or having to deliver some unwelcome news to your boss. We've all been there - staring at our computer screen, crafting the perfect email instead of just picking up the phone or walking over to their desk.
The truth is, most of us would rather have a root canal than deal with workplace conflict head-on. But here's what I've learned after years of training managers and employees: avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make problems disappear - it just makes them bigger and messier. And the longer you wait, the harder they become to handle.
This training isn't about becoming some sort of confrontation expert or learning to enjoy conflict. It's about getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and having the tools to navigate those tricky conversations we all face. You'll learn how to approach sensitive topics without making people defensive, how to listen when emotions are running high, and how to find solutions that actually stick.
We'll work through real scenarios - like when someone on your team isn't pulling their weight, when you need to push back on unrealistic deadlines, or when you have to deliver feedback that someone really doesn't want to hear. You'll practice active listening techniques that actually work in heated moments, and discover how to separate the person from the problem.
One thing that surprises people is how much easier these conversations become when you have a framework to follow. Instead of winging it and hoping for the best, you'll have a clear structure that helps you stay focused and professional, even when things get emotional.
What You'll Learn
How to prepare for difficult conversations so you're not caught off guard when emotions flare up. You'll know exactly what to say and how to say it, without sounding rehearsed or robotic.
Techniques for staying calm and composed when the other person gets defensive or upset. We'll cover breathing techniques, body language awareness, and how to manage your own emotional reactions.
The art of asking the right questions to uncover what's really going on beneath the surface. Sometimes the issue you think you're dealing with isn't the real problem at all.
How to deliver tough messages with empathy and respect, so people actually hear what you're saying instead of shutting down or getting angry.
Strategies for finding win-win solutions, even when it seems impossible. You'll learn how to move from positions to interests and create outcomes that work for everyone.
Ways to follow up after difficult conversations to ensure agreements stick and relationships stay intact. Because the conversation doesn't end when you walk out of the room.
The Bottom Line
Look, difficult conversations are part of working with people, and people are complicated. But with the right approach and some practice, you can turn these dreaded interactions into opportunities for better communication skills training and stronger working relationships. You'll leave this session feeling more confident about addressing issues as they arise, rather than letting them fester until they become major problems. Most importantly, you'll discover that having tough conversations doesn't have to mean having bad relationships.