Managing Difficult Conversations - Canberra
Managing Difficult Conversations - Canberra
You know that feeling when you see someone's name pop up on your phone and you immediately think "What now?" Whether it's the team member who always has an excuse, the client who never seems satisfied, or that colleague who turns every meeting into a battlefield, we've all got those conversations we'd rather avoid. But here's the thing - avoiding them only makes everything worse.
I've been training people in workplaces for over fifteen years, and I can tell you that the ability to handle tough conversations well is what separates good managers from great ones. It's also what stops small issues from becoming massive problems that cost time, money, and good people.
This isn't about becoming a therapist or learning to love conflict. It's about having practical tools that actually work when someone's getting defensive, when emotions are running high, or when you need to deliver news that nobody wants to hear. You'll learn how to stay calm when others lose it, how to get to the real issue instead of dancing around it, and most importantly, how to have these conversations in a way that actually improves relationships instead of damaging them.
We cover the stuff that really happens in workplaces - like when someone takes feedback as a personal attack, when you need to address poor performance without crushing someone's confidence, or when you're caught between two people who can't stand each other. You'll practice with real scenarios, not textbook examples that bear no resemblance to your actual workplace.
The skills you develop here will save you hours of stress every week. Instead of lying awake at night rehearsing conversations or avoiding people in the hallway, you'll actually feel confident walking into these situations. Your team will respect you more because they know you'll address issues directly and fairly, and you'll be amazed how much easier your job becomes when you're not constantly managing drama.
What You'll Learn:
How to prepare for difficult conversations so you stay focused on solutions, not blame. We'll show you a simple framework that works whether you're talking to your boss, a direct report, or a peer who's making your life difficult.
The exact words to use when someone gets defensive, emotional, or starts attacking you personally. You'll have scripts that feel natural and actually de-escalate situations instead of making them worse.
How to deliver tough messages without destroying relationships. This includes everything from performance issues to budget cuts to telling someone their idea just isn't going to work.
Techniques for staying calm and centered when the other person is losing it. You'll learn breathing techniques and mental strategies that keep you grounded even in heated moments.
How to listen in a way that makes people feel heard, even when you can't give them what they want. This one skill alone will transform how people respond to you.
The art of finding common ground quickly, even when you and the other person seem to want completely different things.
How to follow up after difficult conversations to make sure real change happens and relationships are actually strengthened.
The Bottom Line:
Most people spend more energy avoiding difficult conversations than it would take to just have them well. This training gives you the confidence and skills to address issues head-on in a way that builds respect and gets results. You'll leave with practical tools you can use immediately, plus the peace of mind that comes from knowing you can handle whatever workplace challenges come your way. Your future self will thank you for finally learning how to do this properly. Plus, having strong emotional intelligence makes these conversations much more effective and less stressful for everyone involved.