Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane

Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane

You know that sinking feeling when you see their name pop up in your calendar? That colleague who always pushes back, the client who gets defensive at the slightest feedback, or the team member who turns every discussion into an argument. We've all been there – avoiding the conversation, hoping the issue will magically resolve itself, or worse, letting it escalate until it becomes a full-blown workplace drama.

Here's the thing: difficult conversations don't have to be career-limiting disasters. After twenty years of coaching managers through these exact scenarios, I've learned that most people aren't naturally difficult – they're just responding to situations they don't know how to handle. The good news? These conversations become manageable once you understand the psychology behind why people get defensive and learn some practical tools to navigate them.

This isn't about becoming a workplace therapist or learning to manipulate people. It's about having real conversations that actually resolve issues instead of making them worse. You'll discover why that person who "always disagrees" might actually be your most valuable team member once you know how to engage with them properly. We'll cover the difference between being assertive and being aggressive (there's a bigger gap than you think), and you'll learn the exact phrases that help people feel heard instead of attacked.

The techniques we'll practice work whether you're delivering performance feedback, negotiating with a stubborn vendor, or trying to get your team back on track after a project goes sideways. You'll also learn how to prepare for these conversations so you're not caught off-guard when someone's emotions run high. We'll even tackle those situations where you need to deliver news nobody wants to hear – like budget cuts or role changes.

What You'll Learn:

How to identify the real issue underneath someone's defensive behavior (it's rarely what they're actually arguing about)

The three-step approach to de-escalating tense situations without backing down from important points

Specific language patterns that help people feel heard and respected, even when you disagree

How to deliver difficult feedback that actually motivates change instead of destroying relationships

Techniques for staying calm and focused when the other person gets emotional or aggressive

Ways to find common ground even in seemingly impossible situations

How to follow up after difficult conversations to ensure lasting resolution

Strategies for managing workplace anxiety that often comes with these challenging interactions

The Bottom Line:

After this training, you'll stop dreading these conversations and start seeing them as opportunities to solve problems and build stronger working relationships. You'll have the confidence to address issues when they're small instead of waiting until they explode. Most importantly, you'll discover that being direct doesn't mean being harsh, and that most people actually appreciate honest, respectful communication – even when the topic is uncomfortable. The conflict resolution skills you'll develop will serve you well beyond the workplace, improving how you handle challenging situations in all areas of your life.