Managing Difficult Conversations - Brisbane

Managing Difficult Conversations - Brisbane

You know that knot in your stomach when you see someone's name on your calendar and you immediately think "Oh no, not this conversation again"? Or when you're walking back from lunch and a colleague corners you about that project deadline that's gone sideways? We've all been there. Whether it's telling someone their work isn't cutting it, addressing a team member who's constantly negative, or having to push back on unrealistic expectations from your boss, difficult conversations are part of working life. The problem is, most of us either avoid them completely (and watch things get worse) or dive in unprepared and make everything more complicated.

Here's what I've learned after twenty years of watching people fumble through awkward workplace discussions: the conversation itself isn't usually the problem. It's how we approach it. Most people either go in guns blazing, ready for a fight, or they tiptoe around the real issues so much that nothing actually gets resolved. Both approaches waste everyone's time and often make relationships worse.

This training gives you a practical framework that actually works in real situations. We're not talking about theoretical conflict resolution here - this is about having genuine conversations with real people about stuff that matters. You'll learn how to prepare for conversations you've been dreading, how to stay calm when someone gets defensive (because they will), and how to find solutions that everyone can live with. We'll cover everything from giving feedback that doesn't crush people's spirits to handling workplace conflicts that seem impossible to resolve.

What You'll Learn:
- How to prepare for conversations so you're not just winging it and hoping for the best
- Techniques for staying centred when discussions get heated or emotional
- Ways to frame difficult topics so people actually listen instead of getting defensive
- How to find common ground even when you disagree on almost everything
- Strategies for following up after tough conversations to make sure things actually change
- When to involve HR or your manager (and when to handle things yourself)

The Bottom Line:
You'll walk away with confidence to tackle those conversations you've been putting off and the skills to have them professionally without damaging relationships. Most importantly, you'll stop dreading difficult discussions because You'll know exactly how to handle challenging communication situations. These skills work whether you're talking to a direct report, a peer, or even your boss. The goal isn't to become a conflict resolution expert overnight - it's to handle real workplace situations more effectively so you can focus on the work that actually matters.