As professionals, we all encounter situations where we need to have difficult conversations with our colleagues or managers. It could be anything from addressing poor performance to discussing a sensitive topic. But why are these conversations so important?
Avoiding difficult conversations can lead to misunderstandings, resentment, and even legal issues. On the other hand, having these conversations can help build trust, improve relationships, and drive positive change within the organization.

So, how do we prepare for these conversations? How do we manage conflicts in the workplace? And most importantly, how do we communicate effectively during these conversations.

Some topics which will be covered are:

Preparing for a difficult conversation. Be specific and clear, be focused and know what you want to get out of this conversation. Also anticipate probable counter arguments and be prepared for them.

Your communication style and tone need to be assertive at the same time balanced.

We will cover the Sandwich and “I” model as a framework in an interactive way.

Choosing the right place and time is equally important as staying respectful and calm, being factual and not personal.

Moreover, it is all about the mindset and how you enter the conversation.

In the workshop we will cover how mentally you can prepare yourself.

Another aspect will be : Conflicts in the workplace. They can arise due to a variety of reasons such as differences in opinions, work styles, or personal values. It's important to identify the root cause of the conflict before attempting to resolve it.

One effective strategy for managing conflicts is active listening. This involves giving the other person your full attention, acknowledging their perspective, and asking clarifying questions. Another strategy is to focus on finding common ground and working towards a mutually beneficial solution.

Remember that having difficult conversations is not easy, but it is necessary for growth and progress. Using the strategies discussed today is a great way to approach these conversations with empathy and respect and encourage others to do the same. Together, you can create a workplace culture that values open communication and constructive conflict resolution.

The workshop will be interactive, input from audience, breakout rooms for brainstorming and some multi-sensory modalities will be used such as music.

At the end of the workshop, you will be walking away with practical and useful tools and techniques that you can start implementing instantly.

Areas Covered

Who Should Attend    

Employees of any organization at any level

Why Should You Attend

We all avoid having difficult conversations, as it is not comfortable, and we don’t know how to address poor performance or addressing sensitive matters. Or even talking to your own manager becomes a burden, asking for salary increase or conveying the message that the project is delayed.

However, the more we avoid, the more it gets bigger. Thus, addressing the matter in a skillful manner is the mastery.

It is not about what you say, it is about how you say it.

Topic Background

As an experienced former team manager and leader at a multinational, I know how hard it can be to confront and orchestrate in an objective way. Moreover, providing feed forward, I call, is a skill that needs to be demonstrated skillfully, specifically as a leader and manager.