Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

We've all been there. You need to tell someone their work isn't cutting it, address that colleague who constantly interrupts in meetings, or have the talk about missed deadlines that everyone's been tiptoeing around. Your stomach starts churning days before the conversation, you rehearse what you'll say in the shower, and then when the moment comes, it either goes nowhere or blows up completely.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. Most of us would rather have a root canal than tell someone something they don't want to hear. But here's the thing - avoiding these conversations doesn't make them go away. They just get bigger, messier, and more uncomfortable for everyone involved.

This isn't about learning some corporate script or fancy psychology tricks. It's about getting real tools that actually work when you're sitting across from someone who's getting defensive, emotional, or just plain difficult. We're talking about the conversations that happen in messy, imperfect workplaces with real people who have bad days, strong opinions, and personal stuff going on.

You'll learn how to plan these conversations without scripting every word, how to stay calm when things get heated, and how to actually get results instead of just checking the "difficult conversation" box. We cover the stuff that makes these talks go sideways - like when someone starts crying, gets angry, or completely shuts down. Plus, you'll practice with scenarios that mirror what's actually happening in your workplace right now.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for tough conversations without over-thinking yourself into a panic. You'll get a simple framework that works whether you're addressing performance issues, giving negative feedback, or navigating workplace conflicts. We'll show you how to start these conversations in a way that doesn't immediately put people on the defensive.

How to manage your own emotions when the other person gets upset, angry, or tries to turn things around on you. You'll learn communication skills that help you stay focused on the issue without getting pulled into drama or personal attacks.

How to listen in a way that actually helps the conversation move forward, even when you disagree with what you're hearing. This includes dealing with excuses, blame-shifting, and those moments when someone completely misses the point.

How to follow up after difficult conversations to make sure real change happens. Because let's face it, having the conversation is only half the battle - you need to make sure it actually leads somewhere.

Specific techniques for different types of difficult conversations - whether it's performance issues, interpersonal conflicts, or those awkward situations where company policies clash with personal circumstances.

The Bottom Line

Location: Adelaide

After this training, you'll stop dreading these conversations and start seeing them as just another part of getting work done. You'll have the confidence to address issues when they're small instead of waiting until they become major problems. Most importantly, you'll be able to have these conversations in a way that maintains relationships and actually gets results. Your team will respect you more for being straight with them, and you'll sleep better knowing you're not avoiding the training course conversations that need to happen.