Difficult Workplace Conversations Made Easier - Online workshop
Most workplace issues don’t start as “formal HR” - they start as conversations that managers put off. This highly practical workshop gives you the words, structure and confidence to tackle tricky conversations early, reduce conflict and protect working relationships. We focus on real-life manager scenarios (feedback, performance, conduct, attitude, absence and boundaries) and how to communicate clearly without becoming confrontational or avoiding the issue.
What the workshop will enable delegates to do
- Prepare for a difficult conversation (clarify the issue, the outcome you need, and the evidence/examples to use)
- Structure conversations so they’re clear, calm and purposeful (rather than emotional, vague or over-long)
- Give feedback that lands - including when someone is defensive, disagreeing or minimising the issue
- Handle common “tricky” situations (attitude, behaviour, performance, timekeeping, absence, interpersonal conflict) without avoidance or escalation
- Set boundaries and expectations clearly, including follow-up steps and consequences where appropriate
- Record outcomes and next steps in a way that supports consistency, fairness and (where needed) an HR process later on
What we’ll cover
- Why managers avoid conversations (and what it costs in time, risk, performance and morale)
- A simple planning framework: issue → impact → expectation → options → agreement
- Choosing the right tone and language: assertive vs aggressive vs passive
- Giving feedback (positive, developmental and corrective) – what to say and what to avoid
- Handling emotion and pushback: defensiveness, denial, blame, silence, tears and anger (practical responses)
- Common manager conversations: performance concerns, behaviour/conduct, attitude, absence and timekeeping, and team conflict
- Follow-up: setting actions, confirming expectations in writing, and when/how to escalate
Who it’s for / format
Ideal for SME owners, managers and team leaders who need practical tools for day-to-day conversations (no HR or legal background required). Live online, interactive workshop. Certificates of attendance provided.