Embracing Challenging Conversations
Workshop for Leaders

Do you want to take the angst out of preparing for uncomfortable conversations? We worry that failed conversations will impact negatively on everyone involved, or even make things worse. However, when handled well a challenging conversation allows you to broach a difficult topic before it becomes a bigger issue, provides an opportunity to increase trust, and can improve the relationship.

Workshop Overview

People have a natural tendency to avoid delivering a difficult message and can sometimes hold back from having challenging conversations… but if you are a leader, your willingness to discuss difficult issues is critical to your team’s success. 

In this full day workshop we will look at uncomfortable conversations: what they are, what stops us having them, and the factors that influence successful delivery. We will also experiment with preparing for an actual challenging conversation you need to have. 

  • Learn how to prepare for an uncomfortable conversation.
  • Understand why it is unkind (and unfair) to tell half-truths and set vague expectations.
  • Know what is required to create psychological safety – and recreate it if lost.
  • Understand when different types of conversations are needed. 
  • Evaluate the impact of avoiding challenging conversations.

Participants will learn how to:

  • Control your own emotional balance.
  • How to respond when someone else is emotional.
  • Make others feel heard and valued.
  • Be open to different perspectives.
  • Build trust.
  • Create agreements and accountability.