Managing Difficult Conversations Training

Managing Difficult Conversations Training

You know that sinking feeling when you have to tell someone their work isn't up to scratch, or when a team member keeps missing deadlines and you've been avoiding the conversation? We've all been there. Most of us would rather reorganise our entire filing system than sit down and have those tough talks that actually need to happen.

Here's the thing - avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make them go away. It just makes them bigger, messier, and more awkward when they finally do happen. Whether you're dealing with underperformance, workplace conflicts, or just need to give some honest feedback, these conversations are part of leadership. The good news? They don't have to be as painful as you think.

This training is about turning those dreaded conversations into productive discussions. You'll learn how to approach someone who's been dropping the ball without making them feel attacked. We'll show you how to address conflict between team members without feeling like you're refereeing a playground fight. And yes, we'll even cover how to deliver bad news in a way that maintains relationships and keeps people motivated.

The reality is, most difficult conversations go wrong because we either come in too hot or we dance around the issue so much that nothing gets resolved. You'll practice finding that sweet spot where you're direct but not harsh, clear but not brutal. We use real workplace scenarios - not role plays about imaginary problems, but the actual situations you face every Monday morning.

What You'll Learn:

How to prepare for tough conversations so you're not winging it in the moment. We'll give you a framework that works whether you're talking to your star performer who's gotten cocky or the office gossip who's stirring up drama.

The art of staying calm when the other person gets defensive or emotional. Because let's face it, they probably will at first.

How to listen properly during heated discussions - it's harder than it sounds when your heart's racing and you're trying to think of what to say next.

Techniques for keeping the conversation focused on solutions rather than blame. Nobody wants to sit through a lecture about everything they've done wrong.

Ways to follow up after the conversation to make sure things actually change. Because having the talk is only half the battle.

How to handle pushback and resistance without losing your cool or backing down from important issues.

We'll also cover the Brisbane office dynamics and how different personalities respond to feedback. Some people need emotional support during these conversations, others just want the facts and a clear path forward.

The Bottom Line:

Difficult conversations are never going to be your favourite part of the job, but they don't have to be the thing that keeps you awake at night either. When you handle them well, they actually strengthen relationships and improve team performance. People respect leaders who can address issues directly and fairly. This training gives you the confidence and skills to have those conversations with professionalism and empathy, so you can focus on moving forward rather than avoiding the inevitable.