## Managing Difficult Conversations Training

## Managing Difficult Conversations Training

You know that sinking feeling when you need to address poor performance with a team member, or when tensions are running high between colleagues and someone needs to step in? We've all been there - avoiding those tough conversations because we're not sure how to handle them without making things worse. The thing is, difficult conversations don't just disappear when we ignore them. They usually get harder to manage and create bigger problems down the line.

Most of us weren't taught how to navigate these challenging discussions at work. We wing it, hope for the best, and often walk away feeling like we could have handled things better. Whether it's giving constructive feedback, addressing workplace conflicts, or having those awkward conversations about expectations that aren't being met, these situations test our communication skills in ways that regular meetings just don't.

This training is designed for anyone who's ever found themselves dreading a conversation they know they need to have. We'll work through real scenarios that happen in workplaces every day - not theoretical examples, but the actual situations you're likely facing right now. You'll learn how to prepare for these conversations so you feel more confident going in, and how to manage them when emotions start running high.

The practical approach focuses on managing difficult conversations using techniques that actually work in the real world. We'll cover how to stay calm when the other person gets defensive, how to keep the conversation focused on solutions rather than blame, and how to follow up afterward to make sure the issues are genuinely resolved.

What You'll Learn:
- How to prepare mentally and practically for challenging discussions
- Techniques for staying calm and focused when conversations get heated
- Ways to address issues without putting people on the defensive
- Strategies for finding common ground even when viewpoints differ significantly
- How to give feedback that people can actually hear and act on
- Methods for handling emotional responses - both yours and theirs
- Tools for keeping conversations productive rather than letting them spiral
- Follow-up approaches that ensure real change happens after the conversation

We'll practice these skills in a safe environment where you can make mistakes and learn from them. You'll role-play different scenarios, get feedback on your approach, and develop your own style for handling these situations. The goal isn't to become someone you're not, but to build on your natural communication strengths and give you practical tools for those moments when regular conversation skills aren't enough.

The Bottom Line:
After this training, you'll approach difficult conversations with more confidence and better outcomes. Instead of avoiding important discussions or having them blow up unexpectedly, you'll have a clear framework for addressing issues early and effectively. Your relationships at work will improve because you'll be able to address problems before they become major conflicts, and your team will respect your ability to handle workplace challenges with professionalism and fairness.

Available in Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, and Online.