Difficult conversations are inevitable in any workplace. Perhaps you need to tell your manager that your project will be late, inform a colleague that they aren’t meeting expectations, or problem-solve with a client who has a history of being defensive. It can be tempting to avoid these conversations, but the issues will rarely disappear on their own. Learning to effectively navigate difficult conversations is a crucial skill that sets you apart as a leader, and results in improved relationships, faster problem solving, and stronger individual and team outcomes. Participants will learn:

• A multi-step process for preparing for a variety of difficult conversations
• Your default conflict style and strategies for managing your own emotions
• How to effectively structure and initiate a difficult conversation
• Techniques for respectfully and productively delivering your message
• Best practices for responding to defensive behavior and generating solutions collaboratively