Short Course

Difficult Conversations

Navigating difficult conversations for positive outcomes

By learning to manage emotions, listen actively, and communicate assertively, people can transform potentially tense exchanges into opportunities for growth and resolution.

This workshop equips participants with the skills and confidence to navigate challenging interpersonal interactions in the workplace. Whether addressing performance issues, giving constructive feedback, or managing conflict, these conversations are essential for maintaining trust, accountability, and team cohesion. The workshop focuses on practical strategies to prepare for and engage in difficult dialogues with empathy, clarity, and professionalism.

Course Content

The delivery and content of all our workshops is contextualised to the specific needs of the participants and organisation at no additional cost, however, this topic typically includes:

  • Understanding the nature and impact of difficult conversations
  • Identifying common barriers and emotional triggers
  • Preparing for a challenging conversation with clarity and purpose
  • Using assertive communication techniques
  • Active listening and empathy in high-stakes dialogue
  • Managing defensiveness and emotional responses
  • Structuring conversations for positive outcomes
  • Practicing real-life scenarios and role plays

*Personality, behavioural, and/or leadership profiling is available to inform this workshop. Please see the Diagnostics & Profiling section on the ‘Other Services’ page of this website or contact us for more information.

Transferring Learning

To ensure the successful application of new knowledge and skills, all APST workshop participants receive our online Transferring Your Learning module and ‘Strategy for Transferring Learning’ at no additional cost.

Delivery Modes

  • Face-to-Face

    APST facilitators deliver highly engaging, discussion and activity based workshops proven to achieve targeted learning outcomes and that can be combined with other delivery modes to provide flexible, blended learning options.

  • Virtual

    All APST workshop topics can be delivered in a virtual format, carefully designed and delivered to ensure high-level engagement, interaction, and learning and that can be combined with other delivery modes to provide flexible, blended learning options.

  • Online

    APST has a suite of short, highly engaging, self-paced online modules that support each of the face-to-face/virtually delivered workshops and that can be combined with other delivery modes to provide flexible, blended learning options.

  • Blended Learning

    The APST delivery mode options can be combined to provide flexible, blended learning options.

  • VR Classroom

    As a part of ensuring modern, agile, and highly engaging learning solutions, APST offers AI Avatar facilitated modules. These can be delivered as stand-alone units or as a part of a blended learning program.

At a Glance

Duration
1 Day
Designed for
All Staff
Area of Expertise
Communication & Engagement, Leading & Influencing Others, and Management & Leadership

Find Out More

Contact us to discuss how APST can assist with your organisation successful develop its workforce capability.