Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

Location: Brisbane

You know that sinking feeling when you need to have "the conversation" with someone at work, right? Whether it's addressing poor performance, giving constructive feedback, or dealing with a colleague who's making everyone's life difficult, we've all been there. You put it off, rehearse it in your head a dozen times, and then when you finally do it, it either goes nowhere or blows up in ways you didn't expect.

I've been training managers and team leaders for over fifteen years, and I can tell you that avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make them go away - it just makes them harder. The good news? Having these conversations doesn't have to be as painful as you think. There are practical strategies that actually work, and once you learn them, you'll wonder why no one taught you this stuff earlier.

This isn't about becoming some corporate robot who delivers feedback like a machine. It's about learning how to have honest, productive conversations that get results without destroying relationships. You'll discover how to set the right tone from the start, how to present issues without putting people on the defensive, and what to do when things start going sideways (because sometimes they will).

We'll work through real scenarios - the team member who takes criticism personally, the colleague who dominates meetings, the employee whose performance has dropped but you're not sure why. You'll practice the techniques in a safe environment before you have to use them for real. Plus, I'll share the mistakes I've made over the years so you don't have to make them too.

What You'll Learn

By the end of this session, you'll know how to prepare for difficult conversations so you're not winging it anymore. You'll understand how to frame issues in a way that focuses on behaviour and outcomes rather than personality. We'll cover the specific language that helps people stay calm and engaged, and you'll learn how to listen actively when emotions are running high.

You'll also pick up techniques for keeping conversations on track when they start to veer off course, and most importantly, how to wrap things up with clear next steps that everyone understands. We'll talk about timing - when to have these conversations and when to wait - and how to follow up effectively so the changes actually stick.

The Bottom Line

Look, nobody enjoys difficult conversations, but they're part of working with people. The difference between managers who struggle and those who thrive often comes down to their ability to address issues head-on in a way that maintains respect and gets results. This training gives you a toolbox of practical techniques you can use immediately, whether you're dealing with difficult behaviours or need to have a conversation about performance. You'll walk away more confident and with a clear process you can rely on when things get tricky. Plus, you'll probably find that your everyday conversations at work improve too - these skills have a way of making all your communication more effective.