Having Difficult Conversations
Categories: Empowering Your Management Team Training
Effective communication is the cornerstone of strong leadership. Yet, having difficult conversations and addressing challenging issues can be a significant challenge for even the most experienced managers. This course will equip your management and leadership team with the essential skills and strategies they need, including how to have a difficult conversation at work, to confidently manage challenging situations and achieve positive outcomes.
By investing in this course, you’re investing in the success of your entire organisation. Leaders who excel at difficult conversations can:
Drive performance and engagement through clear and honest feedback.
Resolve conflict constructively, fostering a more harmonious working environment.
Mitigate risks and legal issues by addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
Build trust and respect with employees by handling sensitive situations effectively.
“Having Difficult Conversations” provides your managers with the tools they need to turn these conversations from dreaded encounters into opportunities for growth, both for themselves and the company.
Additionally, the course will delve into practical techniques, offering real-life examples and can include interactive role-plays that enable delegates to practice and refine their approach in a supportive environment. This not only boosts their confidence but also empowers them to implement these strategies effectively in the workplace.
Although there are no limits to the number of delegates on a course, limiting group size in relation to the time available will allow each delegate to engage more fully within the given time.
What will you learn?
- How to drive performance
- Resolve conflict constructively
- Mitigate risks and legal issues
- Build trust and respect amongst team members
The course is ideal for managers, team leaders, and HR professionals who may need to address challenging topics with employees, as well as employees looking to improve communication skills.
Key topics include identifying common triggers in difficult conversations, using active listening, building empathy, maintaining professionalism, and techniques for de-escalating tense situations.
This is a 3 to 3 and a half hour training session, available for online delivery as well as in person training sessions, to accommodate remote teams and busy schedules.
While both courses focus on communication, this training specifically addresses challenging topics, whereas ‘Communicating Effectively’ is centred on general appraisal conversations.
Yes, participants can access support materials and have the option for a brief follow-up consultation to reinforce key techniques.
Who is this course for?
- Managers
- Team Leaders
- Supervisors
Course Length
Materials provided
- Course slides and workbook
- "How to Handle Difficult Conversations" quick-reference guide
- Templates for conversation planning & follow-up documentation
Expected Outcomes
Participants will leave the session equipped with practical tools and a structured approach, feeling more confident and prepared to navigate difficult conversations constructively and professionally.