Handling Difficult Conversations at Work
Most workplace problems get worse because the conversation that would fix them keeps being postponed. This course builds the preparation, opening and recovery skills that let people raise hard subjects early, calmly and without damaging the working relationship.
Course outline
What this programme covers, module by module.
- 01Why difficult conversations get postponed and what that costs
- 02Preparing: the outcome you want and the facts you can evidence
- 03Opening the conversation without putting the other person on trial
- 04Describing behaviour and impact rather than character
- 05Handling anger, tears, silence and counter attack
- 06Moving from disagreement to a specific, written agreement
- 07Following up and escalating when nothing changes
What you will gain
- Prepare for a difficult conversation instead of improvising it
- Open a hard subject without triggering defensiveness
- Separate the behaviour from the person when raising a problem
- Stay composed when the other person becomes emotional or hostile
- Reach a specific agreement rather than a vague truce
- Follow up so the conversation produces a lasting change
Who should attend
- Managers and supervisors at any level
- Human resources and employee relations staff
- Project leads working across departments
- Staff who must raise concerns with senior colleagues
Upcoming sessions
| Date | City | Duration | Fees | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 Nov 2026 | Pretoria | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 16 to 18 Nov 2026 | Durban | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 8 to 10 Dec 2026 | Cape Town | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 11 to 13 Jan 2027 | Johannesburg | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 16 to 18 Feb 2027 | London | 3 Days | US$1,500 | |
| 27 to 29 Apr 2027 | Dubai | 3 Days | US$1,500 | |
| 28 to 30 Jun 2027 | Pretoria | 3 Days | R13,000 |
Fees are per delegate and exclude VAT. Public intakes are confirmed once minimum numbers are met. We also deliver this course on your own schedule, in-house or live online.
Enquire about this course
Register your team or ask for a tailored in-house quote. We reply within one working day.
WhatsApp usCourse brochure (PDF)- Fees from
- R13,000 per delegate
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Field
- Communication & Soft Skills
- Formats
- In-house, public, online
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