Managing Difficult Conversations - Canberra

Managing Difficult Conversations - Canberra

You know that feeling when you see someone's name pop up on your calendar and your stomach drops? When you've been putting off that performance conversation for weeks, or when you need to address the team member who keeps missing deadlines but you just don't know where to start? Yeah, we've all been there. Those conversations that keep you awake at night aren't going anywhere - but here's the thing, they don't have to be the nightmare you're imagining.

I've been training managers and team leaders for over fifteen years, and I can tell you that most people think they're terrible at difficult conversations when really, they just haven't learned the right approach. You're probably doing better than you think, but a few key strategies can transform these interactions from dreaded confrontations into productive problem-solving sessions.

The reality is that avoiding tough conversations costs way more than having them. That underperforming team member? They're probably struggling because no one's given them clear feedback. That colleague who keeps interrupting in meetings? They might not even realize they're doing it. And that budget discussion with your boss that you've been postponing? It's not getting any easier with time.

This training gives you a practical framework that actually works in real workplace situations. We're not talking about theoretical models here - this is about the conversation you need to have with Sarah tomorrow about her attitude, or the chat with your boss about your workload that's been eating at you for months. You'll learn how to prepare for these conversations so you feel confident going in, how to stay calm when things get heated (and they sometimes will), and how to wrap up with clear next steps that everyone understands.

What You'll Learn

You'll walk away knowing how to plan a difficult conversation so it actually achieves something positive instead of making things worse. We'll cover how to start these discussions without putting people on the defensive - because nobody wants to feel attacked, right? You'll learn specific techniques for staying composed when emotions run high, both yours and theirs. We'll practice how to listen properly (harder than it sounds when you're stressed) and how to ask questions that move the conversation forward rather than shutting it down.

You'll also get strategies for managing workplace anxiety that often comes with these situations, and practical scripts for common scenarios like performance issues, boundary setting, and giving feedback that people can actually hear and act on.

The Bottom Line

Look, difficult conversations will always be part of working with people. But they don't have to be the source of stress and sleepless nights they are right now. With the right approach, these discussions become opportunities to solve problems, strengthen relationships, and actually make your work life easier. You'll leave this session with confidence, practical tools, and probably realize that managing difficult conversations is a skill like any other - it just takes a bit of know-how and practice. Plus, once you master this, you'll wonder why you were so worried about it in the first place.