Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations
Brisbane

You know that feeling when you see someone's name pop up on your phone and your stomach drops? Or when you walk into a meeting knowing there's going to be a confrontation you've been putting off for weeks? We've all been there. Whether it's telling an employee their performance isn't cutting it, pushing back on unrealistic deadlines, or addressing that colleague who keeps undermining your decisions, difficult conversations are part of working life. The problem is, most of us would rather have a root canal than deal with workplace conflict head-on.

But here's the thing - avoiding these conversations doesn't make them go away. If anything, they get worse. That passive-aggressive team member starts affecting everyone's morale. The deadline issue becomes a crisis. The performance problem turns into a termination. I've seen managers lose sleep for months rather than have one uncomfortable 20-minute conversation that could solve everything.

This isn't about becoming a confrontation junkie or learning to "win" arguments. It's about developing the skills to navigate these situations professionally and effectively, without losing your mind or damaging relationships. You'll learn how to prepare for tough conversations, stay calm under pressure, and find solutions that work for everyone involved. We'll cover real workplace scenarios you deal with every day - from giving negative feedback to setting boundaries with demanding clients.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident rather than anxious
Techniques to stay calm and focused when emotions are running high
Ways to address issues directly without coming across as aggressive or confrontational
Strategies for finding common ground even when positions seem completely opposed
Methods to follow up effectively so problems actually get resolved
How to handle workplace conflicts before they escalate into bigger issues
Approaches for managing your own emotional responses during heated discussions

The Bottom Line

Nobody enjoys difficult conversations, but they're unavoidable in any workplace. The difference between managers who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to how well they handle these challenging moments. By the end of this session, you'll have practical tools to approach these conversations with confidence rather than dread. You'll know how to address problems early before they become crises, and you'll have strategies to maintain professional relationships even when discussing tough topics. This isn't about becoming someone you're not - it's about building the skills to handle an essential part of professional development more effectively.