Managing Difficult Conversations - Perth

Managing Difficult Conversations - Perth

You know that sinking feeling when you see someone's name on your calendar and think "Oh great, here we go again"? Or when you've been putting off that performance conversation for weeks because you just don't know how to start? We've all been there. Whether it's telling someone their work isn't up to scratch, addressing that colleague who constantly interrupts in meetings, or having to deliver news nobody wants to hear, difficult conversations are part of working life. The problem is, most of us learned to avoid conflict as kids, so we end up either dodging these conversations completely or handling them so badly that we make things worse.

Here's the thing though - when you master the art of difficult conversations, everything changes. Instead of dreading these interactions, you'll actually feel confident walking into them. You'll know exactly how to structure what you want to say, how to stay calm when emotions run high, and how to guide the conversation toward a solution that works for everyone. I've seen managers transform their entire team dynamic just by learning these skills. One client told me that after our training, she finally had that conversation with her star performer who was bullying junior staff - and instead of losing him, he thanked her for the feedback and completely changed his behavior.

The techniques you'll learn aren't theory from a textbook. They're battle-tested strategies that work in real workplace situations. You'll practice with scenarios like giving feedback to a defensive employee, addressing chronic lateness without sounding like a parent, handling complaints about team members, and even navigating those awkward conversations about personal hygiene or inappropriate behavior. We'll cover how to prepare for these conversations so you're not winging it, how to manage your own emotions when things get heated, and how to follow up afterward to make sure the issue is actually resolved.

What You'll Learn

You'll walk away knowing how to plan difficult conversations using a simple framework that works every time. We'll show you how to separate facts from feelings, so you can address the actual problem instead of getting caught up in drama. You'll learn the exact words to use when someone gets defensive or emotional, and how to redirect conversations that are going off the rails. We'll also cover reading body language and vocal cues so you can adjust your approach in real-time. Plus, you'll practice handling different personality types - from the passive-aggressive colleague to the outright hostile team member.

You'll also discover how to create psychological safety in these conversations, so people actually listen instead of just waiting for their turn to argue. We'll teach you the follow-up strategies that most people skip, which is why their difficult conversations don't actually solve anything long-term. And you'll learn how to document these conversations properly, because let's face it, sometimes you need that paper trail for HR purposes.

The Bottom Line

This isn't about becoming confrontational or turning into the office enforcer. It's about developing the confidence and skills to address problems early, before they become major issues that tank team morale or force good people to quit. When you can handle difficult workplace situations with grace and professionalism, you become the kind of leader people respect and trust. You'll spend less time dealing with ongoing drama and more time focusing on the work that actually matters. Most importantly, you'll sleep better knowing you're not avoiding problems that are only getting worse.