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Learn about PTR’s interactive course workbook for different learning styles.

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Difficult Conversations at Work: Skills for Professionals

Formats ⟩  Live Virtual: 4 hrs./day, 2 Days  |  In-Person: 6 hrs./day, 2 Days

We all have difficult conversations. And, too often, no matter what we try, things don’t go well. Should you say what you’re thinking and risk possible conflict? Swallow your views and feel like a doormat? Or should you really let them have it? But what if you’re wrong? This interactive workshop shows you how to handle the toughest conversations more effectively and with less anxiety.

Learning Objectives »

  • Effectively prepare for difficult conversations.
  • Separate feelings, data, and judgments (or beliefs).
  • Advocate for your positions, even when controversial.
  • Ask for change without confrontation.
  • Use clarity and focus during “hard talk.”
  • Break through temperament and emotion.
  • Provide a framework for mutual contribution.

Course Agenda

The Hard Talk

  1. The Difficult Conversation
  2. Defining the Hard Talk
  3. The Missing Conversation
  4. Preparing for the Hard Talk
  5. Strategies for the Hard Talk
  6. Authentic Communication
  7. Saying “No”
  8. Managing Up

Four Conversations

  1. The “Feelings” Conversation
  2. The “What Happened” Conversation
  3. The “Identity” Conversation
  4. The “What’s Next” Conversation
  5. Reasons not to have the Difficult Conversation

Putting It Together

  1. The Third Story
  2. Non-Threatening, Non-Anxious Questions
  3. Asking for Change
  4. Standing in the “And”

Two professionals navigating a difficult workplace conversation.

Difficult Conversations at Work: Skills for Professionals

Formats ⟩  Live Virtual: 4 hrs./day, 2 Days  |  In-Person: 6 hrs./day, 2 Days

We all have difficult conversations. And, too often, no matter what we try, things don’t go well. Should you say what you’re thinking and risk possible conflict? Swallow your views and feel like a doormat? Or should you really let them have it? But what if you’re wrong? This interactive workshop shows you how to handle the toughest conversations more effectively and with less anxiety.

Learning Objectives »

  • Effectively prepare for difficult conversations.
  • Separate feelings, data, and judgments (or beliefs).
  • Advocate for your positions, even when controversial.
  • Ask for change without confrontation.
  • Use clarity and focus during “hard talk.”
  • Break through temperament and emotion.
  • Provide a framework for mutual contribution.

Course Agenda

The Hard Talk

  1. The Difficult Conversation
  2. Defining the Hard Talk
  3. The Missing Conversation
  4. Preparing for the Hard Talk
  5. Strategies for the Hard Talk
  6. Authentic Communication
  7. Saying “No”
  8. Managing Up

Four Conversations

  1. The “Feelings” Conversation
  2. The “What Happened” Conversation
  3. The “Identity” Conversation
  4. The “What’s Next” Conversation
  5. Reasons not to have the Difficult Conversation

Putting It Together

  1. The Third Story
  2. Non-Threatening, Non-Anxious Questions
  3. Asking for Change
  4. Standing in the “And”

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