Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Brisbane
# Conversation Training When Things Get Hard Brisbane
## Course Outline
### Opening Question
What if the conversations you've been avoiding could actually drive your most powerful professional relationships? What if that co-worker who always plays the devil's advocate isn't just being contrarian but in fact is alerting you to blind spots that might sink your project?
### Course Overview
Ever wonder why some executives appear to glide through office conflicts while others lose sleep fretting about a Monday morning meeting? I know the difference has nothing to do with natural talent, it's teachable skills that change the dynamics in the workplace.
This highly interactive training programme acknowledges the truth that tough conversations are part of leadership, but going down in flames is optional. We'll look at why everything else doesn't work and share evidence based approaches that lead to breakthrough (not breakdowns!).
Dr Lori D. R. D'AgostinoDr D'Agostino is the director and founder of AlphaVille, author of the small group and leadership skills programme Beyond Tolerated Disorder, combining cutting edge psychology with practical tools to cover what's real instead of distracting with communication tips that fail to cut it in today's Australian workplace. Attendees will be trained on real life situations, build a tailor made "conversation framework" and gain the confidence to speak up before a problem becomes a clash.
### Learning Outcomes
At the conclusion of this course, course participants will be able to:
Show your ability to use the 3 phase style of conversation that becomes a blocker to any type of defensive response.
Use the most respectful de-escalation possible to bring the issue back to the fundamentals.
Design anxiety lowering and conversation enhancing preparation tactics
Consider what's really driving challenging behaviour to tackle the root causes
Develop subsequent actions that will result in lasting resolution and relationship healing
Use language patterns that are collaborative and not confrontational
### What You Will Learn
**Week 1: The Psychology of Difficult Behavior**
Insight into defensive reactions and their elicitors
Distinction between position and underlying interests
Identifying your own conversational habits and how you miss the mark
When good intentions lead to bad outcomes
**Module 2: Preparation and Framework**
The CLEAR model for shaping tough talks
Environmental variables and conversation outcomes
Timing strategies that increase receptiveness
Tricks for mentally preparing yourself and for controlling your own frame
**Module 3: Navigation Techniques**
Language patterns that reduce defensiveness
The authority of validation without agreement
Managing emotional escalation in real time
Maintaining boundaries while showing empathy
**Module 4: Special Circumstances and Cases**
Performance feedback that motivates improvement
Dealing with workplace disputes among many team members
Delivering unwelcome news with compassion
Negotiating with resistant stakeholders
**Module 5: Resolution and Follow Through**
Creating action plans that stick
Rebuilding trust after difficult conversations
Monitoring progress without micromanaging
When to bring in HR or leaders
**Module 6: Building Your Confidence**
Overcoming conversation avoidance patterns
Developing your authentic communication style
Practice with feedback and coaching
Writing a personal development action plan
### Training Methodology
The initiative applies interactive workshops, role playing activities, case studies review, and peer learning. Learners engage with authentic material based on Australian work environments that can be applied straight away.
The self contained modules provide self assessment opportunities, reflection exercises, and skill building exercises. Observational videos of successful conversations provide a visual learning element and small groups provide peer support and collaborative case solving.
### Course Materials Included
Workbook comprising templates and checklists
Word lists and conversational preparation "cheat sheets"
Reinforcement audio recordings of significant techniques
Online Library Access with additional tools
30 day series of follow up emails to remind and encourage
### Who Should Attend
This workshop is ideal for managers, team leaders, project managers, and employees who must deal with performance concerns, manage conflicts, or deliver difficult messages in a professional capacity.
### Summary
Uncomfortable conversations need not ruin relationships or careers. With the right mindsets and tools, however, these can be opportunities to problem solve, set clear expectations, and to strengthen one's professional collaborations.
With that being said, training takes you from avoidance of conversations to confidence engagement. You'll learn that being straightforward does not equal cruel, and most people will prefer that you communicate openly and treat them with respect, even when the topic is uncomfortable.
The coaching skills you acquire will benefit you in the long run; they will not only help minimise reptile infested work life stress, but also increase your capacity to lead. And most of all, you'll stop regarding tough conversations as barriers and instead see them as bridges to better outcomes for all involved.