Prepare with purpose
Clarify the issue, evidence, desired outcome and the right setting before the meeting.
Management communication training
Turn difficult conversations into constructive action.
Give managers a practical structure for preparing, communicating clearly, managing emotion and reaching better outcomes in sensitive workplace conversations.
Practical tools for confident workplace conversations
3 hours online 3.5 hours in person Workbook & templates Practical exercises
Course overview
Help managers approach the conversation they would rather avoid.
Unaddressed performance, conduct and relationship concerns rarely resolve themselves. Yet even experienced managers can delay a conversation when the subject feels personal, emotional or high risk.
This focused course gives participants a repeatable approach for preparing well, listening actively, staying professional and communicating the issue with clarity. Realistic examples and optional role-play turn the learning into usable skill.
This course is designed for:
- Managers and people leaders
- Team leaders and supervisors
- HR professionals
- Newly promoted managers
- Leaders handling performance or conflict
What participants learn
A practical framework from preparation to follow-up.
Communicate clearly
Explain concerns specifically and give feedback that is direct, fair and useful.
Listen and de-escalate
Use active listening, empathy and calm questioning when emotion or disagreement rises.
Reach a workable outcome
Agree expectations, actions and follow-up while documenting the conversation appropriately.
Expected outcomes
More confident managers. Earlier, better conversations.
Address difficult issues without unnecessary delayGive clear and constructive feedbackResolve conflict more professionallyReduce avoidable escalation and inconsistencyBuild trust through fair, respectful communication
Course delivery
Choose online or in-person training.
The online course runs for approximately three hours. In-person delivery is a half-day session of approximately three and a half hours. Group size and exercises can be shaped around the time available and the level of participation you want.
Request dates and pricingCommon questions
Difficult conversations course questions.
For advice about a live situation, speak to our team in confidence.
Who is the difficult conversations course for?
The course is designed for managers, team leaders, supervisors and HR professionals who need to address sensitive or challenging workplace topics.
What topics does the course cover?
It covers preparation, common triggers, active listening, empathy, maintaining professionalism, clear feedback and practical techniques for de-escalating tense situations.
How long is the course?
Online delivery is approximately three hours. In-person delivery is a half-day session of approximately three and a half hours.
Can the course include practical exercises?
Yes. Delivery can include realistic examples and interactive role-play so participants can practise their approach in a supportive environment.
Are course materials included?
Participants receive course slides and a workbook, a quick-reference guide, and templates for planning conversations and documenting follow-up.
Is follow-up support available?
Participants can access supporting materials and an optional brief follow-up consultation to reinforce the techniques covered.
Confidential initial conversation
Give your managers a better way to handle difficult conversations.
Tell us about the team, the situations they face and the delivery format you prefer. We’ll provide a tailored training proposal.