Managing Difficult Conversations - Adelaide

Managing Difficult Conversations - Adelaide

You know that sinking feeling when you realize you need to have "that conversation"? The one you've been putting off for weeks. Maybe it's addressing poor performance with a team member who's usually great at their job. Perhaps it's telling a client that their unrealistic deadline just isn't going to happen. Or maybe you're the one who gets called in when workplace tensions boil over and everyone's walking on eggshells.

I've been in those shoes more times than I can count, and here's what I've learned: avoiding these conversations doesn't make them go away - it just makes them harder when you finally have to deal with them. The good news? With the right approach, these conversations don't have to be the workplace disasters we imagine them to be.

This course isn't about becoming a confrontation expert or learning corporate speak that nobody understands. 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 become major headaches, how to stay calm when emotions are running high, and most importantly, how to have these conversations in a way that preserves relationships and gets results.

We'll work through real scenarios you face every day - from the colleague who always misses deadlines to the client who keeps changing their requirements at the last minute. You'll practice techniques for staying focused on solutions rather than blame, and learn how to listen in a way that makes people feel heard, even when you're delivering news they don't want to hear.

One thing that really makes a difference is understanding the psychology behind why people get defensive, and how to structure conversations so you're working together to solve problems rather than butting heads. We'll also cover how to follow up after difficult conversations to make sure the issues actually get resolved.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident going in, not like you're walking into a minefield. You'll know exactly what to say and how to say it.

Techniques for staying calm and professional when the other person gets emotional or defensive - because let's face it, that's going to happen sometimes.

How to use active listening and strategic questioning to get to the root of problems instead of just dealing with symptoms.

Ways to frame conversations around solutions and outcomes rather than blame and punishment, which actually gets better results.

How to have tough conversations with different personality types - what works with someone who's detail-oriented won't necessarily work with someone who's big-picture focused.

Strategies for following up after difficult conversations to ensure real change happens and relationships stay intact.

The Bottom Line

Nobody looks forward to difficult conversations, but they're part of working with people. The difference between managers who thrive and those who struggle often comes down to how well they handle these challenging moments. This training gives you a practical toolkit for turning potentially damaging conversations into opportunities for positive change. You'll leave feeling more confident about addressing issues head-on, and your team will notice the difference in how workplace problems get resolved. Plus, you'll probably find that when you handle these conversations well, they actually strengthen professional relationships rather than damaging them.

Available in Adelaide