Course Outline
Introduction
- Why difficult conversations are avoided
- The cost of misalignment and unspoken tension
- Conversation vs confrontation
- The leadership mindset required for candour
- Understanding psychological safety
The Anatomy of a Difficult Conversation
- Common conversation breakdown patterns
- Emotional triggers and reactivity
- Power dynamics and role clarity
- The difference between intention and impact
Structuring the Conversation
- Clarifying the real objective
- Preparing the conversation framework
- Opening strongly and setting context
- Naming expectations clearly
- Moving from problem to agreement
Managing Emotion and Resistance
- Recognizing defensiveness
- Responding without escalating
- Staying grounded under pressure
- De-escalation strategies
- Rebuilding trust when conversations derail
Accountability and Follow-Through
- Setting clear behavioural expectations
- Defining ownership and timelines
- Documenting agreements
- Following up without micromanaging
Practice Lab
- Role-play exercises
- Peer feedback
- Hot-seat Coaching debriefs
- Application to real workplace scenarios
Summary and Next Steps
- Common pitfalls to avoid
- Personal action plan
- Embedding courageous conversations into leadership practice
Requirements
- An understanding of basic leadership principles
- Experience managing or leading teams
- Prior experience participating in team meetings or performance discussions
Audience
- Managers and team leads
- HR and People & Culture professionals
- Senior leaders and executives
- Project and program managers
- Anyone responsible for leading conversations that influence performance or direction
Testimonials (4)
workshop mode of classes, positive energy, valuable tips and the way they are conveyed. great!
Sylwia - LKQ Polska Sp. z o. o.
Course - Efektywna komunikacja interpersonalna i rozwiązywanie konfliktów
Machine Translated
Openness and willingness to lead open discussions, great examples, an appropriate amount of materials during the presentation supported by excellent examples and group work, which motivates teams that are 'closed off from each other'.
Magdalena - Zehnder Polska Sp. z o.o.
Course - Efektywność osobista - zarządzanie sobą
Machine Translated
High level of knowledge of the instructor.
Przemek - Sreamsoft Krakow sp. z o.o.
Course - Komunikacja w zespole projektowym
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Ewa helped us design the upcoming months of work in terms of implementing a major change in our organization
ANna Klesnicka - McCain Poland sp. z o.o.
Course - Leadership i kierowanie zespołem II
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