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Having Difficult Conversations
Challenging conversations can be uncomfortable, but when handled well they can lead to stronger relationships and better outcomes.
In this course, you’ll learn how to approach difficult discussions with confidence and empathy. You’ll explore practical techniques to stay calm under pressure, address issues directly and work toward solutions that maintain trust and respect.
1 Day
What to expect
Every workplace has moments when conversations feel uncomfortable or high-stakes.
This course equips you with the awareness, confidence and tools to handle those discussions effectively. You will learn how to recognise your own stress responses, prepare for challenging topics and communicate with empathy and composure.
Through practical strategies and reflection, you’ll develop the skills to resolve issues respectfully and reach productive outcomes.
Is this course for you
This course is designed for individuals who need to address challenging situations directly with colleagues, suppliers, clients, or customers. It is suited to leaders, managers, and team members who want to build confidence in managing difficult discussions while maintaining positive and productive working relationships.
This course is suited to individuals who want to:
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approach difficult conversations with confidence and professionalism
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address challenging issues clearly and constructively
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manage emotions and responses in high-pressure discussions
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maintain positive working relationships while resolving issues
What you will explore
During this training course, you will build the skills and confidence to navigate difficult conversations with calm, clarity and empathy. The course focuses on recognising emotional triggers, managing stress responses and applying practical communication techniques to address challenging issues constructively while maintaining respect and positive working relationships.
By the end of this training course, you should be able to:
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Recognise the key elements of a difficult conversation and identify your own stress signals
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Use techniques to stay calm and composed under pressure
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Initiate challenging conversations positively and focus on shared outcomes
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Address difficult issues directly while respecting other viewpoints
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Manage emotions and demonstrate empathy through active listening and questioning
Where this course can take you
Digital communication shapes how work gets done. This course helps professionals communicate with clarity, purpose and professionalism across everyday workplace channels, including email, chat, shared documents and online meetings.
Strong communication skills are key to professional success. In this course, you’ll learn how to express your ideas clearly, listen with empathy and adapt your style to different people and situations.
You will build confidence to handle challenging conversations and discover how effective communication can strengthen relationships and enhance performance at work.
Workplace Ready is AIMWA's flagship early career and graduate development program, designed to accelerate the space between recruitment and real workplace success.
It is built to give early career hires and graduates the mindset, skills and networks to succeed from day one,
an investment in stronger contribution, better retention and a solid foundation for future talent.
Strong interpersonal skills are essential to a positive and productive workplace. In this course, you’ll learn how to understand yourself and others, manage emotions and communicate in ways that build trust and connection.
Through practical tools and personal insight, you will strengthen your relationships, reduce conflict and create more cooperative, supportive interactions at work.