**Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Perth**

**Managing Difficult Conversations Training - Perth**

You know that sinking feeling when you realise you need to have "that conversation" with a colleague, team member, or your boss? The one you've been putting off for weeks because you're not sure how it'll go? Whether it's addressing poor performance, giving tough feedback, or dealing with workplace conflict, difficult conversations are something we all face, yet most of us received zero training on how to handle them well.

I've been there - sitting in my car before work, rehearsing what I was going to say, only to either avoid the conversation entirely or have it blow up in ways I never expected. The thing is, when we avoid these conversations or handle them poorly, the problems don't disappear. They get worse. Team dynamics suffer, productivity drops, and that workplace tension you can cut with a knife? Yeah, it just keeps building.

Here's what I've learned after years of both stuffing up and getting better at these conversations: there's actually a reliable framework for having difficult conversations that maintains relationships while addressing the real issues. It's not about being the "tough guy" or sugar-coating everything until the message gets lost. It's about being direct, respectful, and clear in a way that actually creates positive change.

In this training, you'll work through real scenarios that mirror what you're probably dealing with right now. We'll practice with situations like telling a team member their attitude is affecting others, addressing someone who consistently misses deadlines, or navigating conversations where emotions are running high. You'll learn how to plan these conversations properly, keep them on track when they start going sideways, and follow up in ways that actually stick.

The approach we use focuses on separating the person from the behaviour, staying curious instead of making assumptions, and creating space for the other person to save face while still addressing what needs to change. You'll also learn to recognise when a conversation is heading into dangerous territory and how to redirect it before things get personal or defensive.

What You'll Learn:

You'll discover how to prepare for difficult conversations so you're not winging it in the moment. We'll cover what to say in those first 30 seconds that sets the tone for everything that follows, and how to stay calm when the other person gets defensive or emotional. You'll learn specific phrases and techniques for giving feedback that lands without destroying relationships, and how to handle the most common derailment tactics people use when they don't want to hear what you're saying.

You'll practice turning vague complaints into specific, actionable feedback, and learn when to have the conversation privately versus when you might need a witness or HR involvement. We'll also cover how to follow up after the conversation to make sure change actually happens, rather than just hoping for the best.

Most importantly, you'll learn how to approach these conversations with confidence instead of dread. When you have a clear process and the right tools, what used to feel overwhelming becomes manageable. You'll find yourself addressing issues earlier, before they become major problems, and your team relationships will actually strengthen as a result.

The training includes practical exercises based on real workplace situations, and we'll work through your specific challenges in small group settings. You'll leave with templates and scripts you can adapt to your own situations, plus strategies for managing your own emotions and staying professional when conversations get heated.

The Bottom Line:

Stop avoiding the conversations that could actually solve your workplace problems. This isn't about becoming a master negotiator or learning corporate speak that nobody understands. It's about having honest, respectful conversations that address real issues and create positive change. You'll spend less time worrying about workplace drama and more time actually getting things done. When you can handle difficult conversations well, you become the person others come to for advice, and that's exactly the kind of reputation that enhances your career prospects. The problems you've been avoiding won't fix themselves, but with the right approach, they don't have to be the source of constant stress either.