Managing Difficult Conversations - Adelaide

Managing Difficult Conversations - Adelaide

You know that sinking feeling when you realise you need to have "that" conversation with a team member. Maybe it's the colleague who constantly misses deadlines, the staff member whose attitude is affecting everyone else, or the person who just doesn't seem to understand their role expectations. We've all been there - lying awake at night rehearsing what we'll say, only to find ourselves either avoiding the conversation entirely or watching it spiral into an uncomfortable mess.

Here's the thing: most of us were never actually taught how to handle these situations properly. We got promoted because we were good at our jobs, not because we were natural-born conversation ninjas. And let's be honest, HR's "just document everything" approach doesn't exactly help you navigate the human side of these discussions.

This training cuts through all the corporate fluff and gets straight to what actually works. You'll learn how to approach sensitive topics without making people defensive, how to keep conversations productive even when emotions run high, and most importantly, how to address problems before they become bigger problems. We're talking about real techniques you can use Monday morning, not theoretical frameworks that look good on paper but fall apart in practice.

The strategies we cover have been tested in everything from small family businesses to major corporations. You'll discover how to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident going in, how to structure the discussion to get the best outcomes, and what to do when things don't go according to plan. We'll also tackle those tricky situations like managing difficult conversations with remote team members or dealing with someone who becomes emotional or defensive.

What You'll Learn

How to prepare for challenging conversations without overthinking yourself into paralysis
The exact framework that keeps discussions on track and prevents them from becoming arguments
Techniques for delivering tough messages while maintaining working relationships
What to say when someone becomes defensive, angry, or shuts down completely
How to follow up after difficult conversations to ensure lasting change
Strategies for addressing performance issues, behaviour problems, and attitude concerns
Ways to document conversations that protect both you and your team member

The Bottom Line

After this session, you'll never again dread having those tough workplace conversations. You'll have a clear process to follow, specific phrases that actually work, and the confidence to address issues head-on rather than hoping they'll magically resolve themselves. Your team will respect you more for being direct but fair, and you'll sleep better knowing you're not letting small problems grow into big ones. Most importantly, you'll discover that workplace communication doesn't have to be complicated - it just needs to be honest and structured.