Managing Difficult Conversations - Canberra

Managing Difficult Conversations - Canberra

You know that sinking feeling when you see someone's name on your calendar and think "oh no, not this conversation." Whether it's delivering bad news to a client, addressing performance issues with a team member, or pushing back on unrealistic deadlines from your boss, we've all been there. That moment when you'd rather reorganise your entire filing cabinet than have THAT conversation.

Here's the thing - most of us were never actually taught how to handle these situations. We wing it, avoid it, or dive in and make things worse. But difficult conversations don't have to feel like walking through a minefield. When you know what you're doing, they become powerful tools for solving problems, building trust, and moving forward.

This isn't about becoming confrontational or aggressive. It's about having the skills to address issues head-on while maintaining relationships and getting results. You'll learn how to prepare for tough talks, stay calm when emotions run high, and guide conversations toward productive outcomes. We'll cover everything from the initial "I need to talk to you" moment to following up afterward.

The practical techniques you'll pick up work in any situation - whether you're dealing with an angry customer, negotiating with suppliers, or having that overdue chat with a colleague who keeps missing deadlines. You'll practice real scenarios in a safe environment where you can test different approaches and see what works for you.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for difficult conversations without overthinking them to death
Techniques for staying composed when the other person gets defensive or emotional
Ways to deliver difficult messages that people can actually hear and accept
Strategies for finding common ground even when you fundamentally disagree
Methods for turning conflict into collaboration
How to follow up effectively so issues stay resolved
Scripts and frameworks for the most common workplace difficult conversations

The Bottom Line

After this training, you'll stop dreading those tough conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to solve problems and strengthen dealing with hostility situations. You'll have practical tools you can use immediately, whether you're managing a team, working with clients, or just trying to get your point across without causing World War Three. Most importantly, you'll feel confident knowing you can handle whatever workplace conversations come your way, making your professional life a whole lot less stressful. These skills will serve you well when conflict resolution becomes necessary in your workplace relationships.