Managing Difficult Conversations - Brisbane

Managing Difficult Conversations - Brisbane

You know that sinking feeling when you see someone's name on your calendar and immediately think "Oh great, here we go again." Whether it's the colleague who shoots down every idea, the team member who's been underperforming for months, or that one person who seems to turn every meeting into a battlefield - we've all got those conversations we'd rather avoid. But here's the thing: dodging these discussions doesn't make them disappear. They just get worse, create more tension, and eventually blow up in ways that could've been prevented.

I've been training people in workplace communication for over fifteen years, and I can tell you that most of us were never actually taught how to handle these situations. We learn to send emails, write reports, and give presentations, but nobody teaches us how to tell someone their behaviour is affecting the team or how to address performance issues without creating enemies. The result? We either avoid the conversation entirely (and watch problems escalate) or we dive in unprepared and accidentally make things worse.

The practical side of this training focuses on real scenarios you'll recognise immediately. We'll work through how to approach the team member who's constantly negative, how to give feedback without triggering defensiveness, and how to navigate workplace tensions before they become full-blown conflicts. You'll learn specific phrases that work, body language that helps rather than hinders, and timing strategies that can make the difference between a productive conversation and a disaster.

What makes this different from other communication courses is that we're not talking about theoretical models - we're dealing with the messy reality of human emotions and workplace politics. You'll practice handling interruptions, managing your own stress during tough conversations, and following up in ways that actually stick. We'll also cover how to document these discussions properly (because sometimes you need to protect yourself) and when to escalate versus when to handle things yourself.

What You'll Learn:
- How to prepare for difficult conversations so you feel confident instead of anxious
- Specific language techniques that reduce defensiveness and keep people engaged
- Ways to stay calm and focused when someone gets emotional or aggressive
- How to address performance issues, behaviour problems, and team conflicts effectively
- Strategies for following up that ensure real change happens, not just temporary fixes
- When and how to involve HR or management without making yourself look weak

The Bottom Line:
After this session, you'll stop dreading those tough workplace conversations. Instead of avoiding problems until they explode, you'll have the tools to address issues early and professionally. Your relationships at work will improve, your stress levels will drop, and you'll gain a reputation as someone who can handle challenging situations with grace. These aren't just communication skills - they're career advancement skills that will serve you whether you're managing a team of two or twenty. Most importantly, you'll go home feeling better about your workday instead of replaying difficult interactions in your head all evening.

This course helps you develop the confidence to tackle workplace communication challenges head-on, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for better relationships and clearer expectations.