Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Perth

Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Perth

You know that feeling when you see someone's name pop up on your phone and your stomach drops because you know it's going to be one of those conversations? Whether it's telling a team member their performance isn't cutting it, dealing with an angry customer who's reached their breaking point, or having to deliver news that nobody wants to hear - we've all been there. Most of us would rather clean the office toilets than face these conversations head-on.

Here's the thing though - avoiding difficult conversations doesn't make them disappear. They just get worse, like that weird smell in the office kitchen that everyone pretends isn't there. The longer you wait, the more awkward it becomes, and suddenly you're dealing with a much bigger mess than if you'd just tackled it from the start.

This training isn't about becoming some sort of conversation superhero who thrives on conflict. It's about giving you practical tools so these conversations don't feel like you're walking into a minefield blindfolded. You'll learn how to approach sensitive topics without making people defensive, how to stay calm when things get heated, and most importantly, how to actually resolve issues instead of just surviving the conversation.

We cover real workplace scenarios - not textbook examples that sound nothing like your actual job. Think performance reviews that don't end in tears, customer complaints that get resolved instead of escalated, and team conflicts that actually get sorted out instead of festering for months. You'll practice managing difficult conversations in a safe environment where you can make mistakes and learn from them.

What You'll Learn:
- How to prepare for tough conversations so you're not winging it
- Ways to start difficult discussions without putting people on the defensive
- Techniques for staying calm when emotions run high (yours and theirs)
- How to listen properly when someone's upset or angry
- Methods for finding common ground and moving toward solutions
- Strategies for following up after difficult conversations to prevent repeat issues

You'll also discover how to read body language and tone so you can adjust your approach on the fly. We'll show you how to use questions effectively to get to the heart of issues, and how to manage your own emotional responses when things get uncomfortable. Plus, you'll learn when to escalate issues and when to handle them yourself.

The Bottom Line: These conversations are going to happen whether you're ready for them or not. The choice is whether you stumble through them hoping for the best, or you go in with a clear plan and the confidence to handle whatever comes up. Most people leave this training saying they wish they'd done it years ago - not because the conversations become fun (let's be realistic), but because they stop being something to dread. When you can handle difficult conversations well, it changes how people see you at work and honestly, it makes your job a whole lot less stressful. You'll find that issues get resolved faster, relationships improve, and you spend way less time worrying about dealing with difficult behaviours in your workplace.