Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Geelong

Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Geelong

You know that sinking feeling when you see "Can we talk?" pop up in your calendar, or when you have to address poor performance with someone who's been avoiding you for weeks. We've all been there - putting off conversations that need to happen because frankly, they're going to be awkward at best and potentially explosive at worst. The thing is, these conversations don't get easier by waiting, and they certainly don't resolve themselves.

Whether you're dealing with a team member who's consistently missing deadlines, addressing inappropriate behaviour, or having to deliver news that no one wants to hear, difficult conversations are part of workplace life. The problem isn't that these situations arise - it's that most of us were never actually taught how to navigate them effectively. We either avoid them completely (and watch problems escalate), go in guns blazing (and damage relationships), or stumble through them hoping for the best (and usually making things worse).

Here's what I've learned after years of helping managers and team leaders tackle these challenging situations: there's actually a method to it. When you know how to structure these conversations, manage emotions (both yours and theirs), and focus on outcomes rather than blame, everything changes. You'll stop dreading these discussions and start seeing them as opportunities to solve problems and strengthen working relationships.

This isn't about becoming confrontational or learning corporate speak that nobody believes. It's about developing the confidence to have honest, productive conversations that actually resolve issues instead of just stirring them up. You'll learn how to prepare properly so you're not caught off guard by defensiveness or tears, how to keep discussions on track when they start going sideways, and how to follow up effectively so the conversation actually leads to change.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident going in rather than dreading every minute
Techniques for staying calm and focused when the other person gets defensive, emotional, or tries to deflect
Ways to frame issues that focus on behaviour and impact rather than personality or blame
Scripts and structures that help you navigate the conversation without getting lost or overwhelmed
Methods for managing difficult conversations when emotions run high and people shut down
Strategies for following up effectively so the conversation leads to real change, not just temporary compliance
How to document these conversations appropriately to protect everyone involved
Techniques for turning potentially relationship-damaging discussions into opportunities for problem-solving and improvement

The Bottom Line

You'll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately to handle those conversations you've been putting off. No more sleepless nights worrying about how to address problems, no more watching issues spiral out of control because you don't know how to tackle them effectively. Instead, you'll have the confidence and skills to address problems early, maintain professional relationships, and actually resolve issues rather than just talking around them. These are skills that will serve you throughout your career, whether you're managing people now or plan to in the future.