Managing Difficult Conversations - Melbourne

Managing Difficult Conversations - Melbourne

You know that sinking feeling when you see Sarah's name pop up in your calendar for a "quick chat"? Or when you realise you've got to tell your star performer that their attitude is actually driving the rest of the team nuts? We've all been there. Those conversations you keep putting off because you're not quite sure how to tackle them without everything going sideways.

Here's the thing I've learned after twenty years of watching managers tie themselves in knots over difficult conversations: most of us never actually learned how to have them. We wing it, hope for the best, and then wonder why people get defensive or nothing really changes. Sound familiar?

This workshop isn't about learning corporate speak or memorising scripts. It's about developing the confidence to address issues head-on while keeping relationships intact. You'll discover how to have those tricky conversations about performance, behaviour, or workplace conflicts without feeling like you need a stiff drink afterwards.

We'll cover the real scenarios you face every day. Like when someone's personal hygiene is affecting client meetings, when a team member keeps missing deadlines but gets defensive when you bring it up, or when you need to deliver feedback that might make someone cry. These aren't hypothetical situations from a textbook - they're the conversations that keep managers awake at night.

You'll learn practical advice on reading the room, timing your approach, and structuring conversations so people actually hear what you're saying instead of immediately going into defence mode. We'll also work on managing your own nerves because let's be honest, these conversations are tough for everyone involved.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for difficult conversations without over-thinking them into paralysis. You'll get a simple framework that works whether you're addressing poor performance, inappropriate behaviour, or team conflicts.

The art of staying calm when the other person gets emotional, defensive, or tries to turn things around on you. We'll practice techniques for keeping conversations on track even when they get heated.

How to deliver tough messages with clarity and compassion. You'll learn to be direct without being brutal, and honest without being harsh.

Strategies for following up after difficult conversations to ensure real change happens. Because having the conversation is only half the battle - making sure it sticks is what really matters.

How to handle the most common curveballs: tears, anger, denial, or the classic "but everyone else does it too" deflection.

The Bottom Line

After this session, you'll stop avoiding those conversations that need to happen. You'll have the tools and confidence to address issues early before they become major problems. Your team will respect you more because they'll know where they stand, and you'll sleep better knowing you're not letting problems fester. Plus, you might actually find these conversations aren't as scary as you thought they'd be.

Most importantly, you'll develop stronger working relationships because people appreciate further resources and honest communication, even when the topic is tough. That's the kind of leadership that actually makes a difference.