IPAA Victoria’s Making Difficult Conversations Work course will equip you to be prepared for and guide difficult conversations towards a common goal while listening to others and empathise with their positions and views. This course delivers a series of vital ‘life lessons’ on managing and negotiating these challenging exchanges.
Course overview
You will gain a comprehensive knowledge of Making Difficult Conversations Work by:
- identifying, analysing, and avoiding mistakes when conducting difficult conversations
- understanding the importance of maintaining your clarity and composure under pressure to develop trust and mutual respect.
Course outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- prepare and guide a difficult conversation towards a common goal
- listen to counterparts and empathise with their positions
- ask effective questions and encourage others to share their ideas
- maintain clarity and composure under pressure
- develop trust and maintain mutual respect
- not leave important issues unresolved.
Course audience
The ideal course participant is someone who:
- wants to improve your conflict resolution skills
- is in a role where you provide or encounter, a different viewpoint
- wants to improve your stakeholder management skills
- manages staff effectively
- is frequently involved in highly emotional situations
- wants to develop, or improve assertive communication skills.
This was an excellent training session. It was very insightful and provided practical guidance on managing difficult conversations. Facilitators were genuine, engaging and knowledgable.
— Anonymous, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Simple, interactive, informative
— Yadwinder Hunan, Department of Transport
The Making Difficult Conversations Work Workshop was Participative, engaging, knowledgeable and collaborative. Bruce and Georgia were amazing and very knowledgeable. In our breakout room we had Georgia who really helped us live the difficult experience and conversations based on our situation. From there, they’ve given me excellent feedback which I will utilise in my day to day role. Thanks Bruce, Georgia and team!
— Terrence Chong, Department of Premier and Cabinet
