Managing Difficult Conversations - Brisbane

Managing Difficult Conversations - Brisbane

You know that sinking feeling when you see their name on your calendar for a "quick chat"? Or when you have to tell someone their performance isn't cutting it? We've all been there - staring at our computer screen, rehearsing what we'll say, hoping somehow the conversation will magically go smoothly. But here's the thing: difficult conversations don't have to feel like walking through a minefield.

I've been helping teams navigate these tricky waters for years, and I can tell you that most people avoid these conversations until they become much bigger problems. Maybe it's the colleague who constantly interrupts in meetings, the team member who's missing deadlines, or having to deliver news about budget cuts. The longer you wait, the harder it gets, and the more damage occurs to relationships and productivity.

This isn't about becoming some corporate robot spouting HR-speak. It's about having real, honest conversations that actually solve problems instead of creating bigger ones. You'll learn how to address issues early before they explode, how to stay calm when the other person gets defensive, and how to walk away with relationships intact or even stronger. We cover everything from preparing for the conversation (because winging it rarely works) to handling the emotional rollercoaster that comes with conflict.

The best part? You'll practice with scenarios that actually happen in your workplace. We're talking about real situations like dealing with a defensive direct report, addressing inappropriate behaviour, or having to say no to unrealistic requests. No theoretical nonsense - just practical tools you can use the next day.

What You'll Learn

- How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident going in instead of dreading them
- Specific phrases and techniques to defuse tension when things get heated
- Ways to address problems directly without being aggressive or passive-aggressive
- How to listen effectively when emotions are running high (harder than it sounds)
- Strategies for staying calm and professional when the other person isn't
- How to follow up after difficult conversations to ensure lasting solutions
- Techniques for turning conflict into collaboration and stronger working relationships

We'll work through common workplace scenarios like performance issues, personality clashes, and having to deliver unwelcome news. You'll leave with a toolkit of communication skills that works in real-world situations, not just theory.

The Bottom Line

Stop avoiding those conversations that keep you up at night. This training gives you practical skills to handle workplace conflict confidently and professionally. You'll learn to address issues before they become disasters, maintain better working relationships, and actually solve problems instead of just hoping they'll go away. Most importantly, you'll discover that these conversations don't have to be as scary as you think - with the right approach, they can actually strengthen your working relationships and make your job easier.

Whether you're a new manager facing your first difficult conversation or an experienced professional who wants to handle conflict more effectively, you'll walk away with tools that work. Because at the end of the day, avoiding difficult conversations never makes them easier - it just makes them bigger. Learn how to have these conversations with confidence, and watch how much easier your work life becomes when you can address problems head-on instead of tiptoeing around them. Plus, you'll gain access to proven training courses that help build these essential workplace skills.