Difficult Conversations

This course gives managers a clear framework and the confidence to tackle difficult conversations head-on: honestly, calmly, and in a way that resolves things without damaging the relationship.

What is our Difficult Conversations training?


Our Difficult Conversations course is a practical, skills-based workshop that helps people prepare for, structure and deliver the conversations they’d otherwise avoid — underperformance, conflict between colleagues, overdue feedback, or anything that feels awkward to raise.

Rather than generic communication theory, the course focuses on real technique: how to stay assertive without becoming aggressive, how to separate the person from the problem so the conversation stays productive, how to keep your composure when things get tense, and how to handle conflict constructively rather than avoiding it or letting it escalate.

Suitable for all managers at any level, from those facing their first genuinely difficult conversation to experienced leaders who want a sharper, more consistent approach.

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two people having a difficult conversation

What the course covers

The middle ground between saying nothing and saying too much. This module helps participants find and hold an assertive style; clear, direct and respectful, rather than sliding into passivity (avoiding the issue) or aggression (damaging the relationship) under pressure.

One of the most powerful shifts in any difficult conversation: treating the issue as something to solve together, rather than treating the other person as the issue. This module gives participants practical language and technique for staying firm on the problem while staying respectful of the person, so the relationship survives the conversation, and often comes out stronger.

Difficult conversations rarely go exactly to plan, the other person gets defensive, emotional, or pushes back. This module builds practical techniques for staying calm and in control under pressure, so a conversation that starts to go off track can be brought back, rather than derailed altogether.

Conflict avoided doesn’t disappear, it resurfaces, usually bigger. This module gives participants a practical approach to handling conflict head-on: recognising it early, addressing it directly, and working towards a resolution that actually holds, rather than a surface-level fix that breaks down again later.

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Who is this for?

For individuals

  • Builds real confidence to raise issues directly, rather than avoiding them and letting them fester
  • Develops a practical, repeatable structure for approaching any difficult conversation, rather than relying on instinct in the moment
  • Reduces the stress that comes with anticipating and putting off a conversation that needs to happen

For teams

  • Issues get raised and resolved while they’re still small, rather than growing into bigger conflicts
  • Relationships often end up stronger after a well-handled difficult conversation, not weaker
  • A team where issues are addressed directly builds far more trust than one where they’re quietly avoided

For the business

  • Unresolved workplace conflict costs UK employers billions a year in lost time, resignations and disciplinary action
  • Managers spend a growing share of their week managing conflict, and better-equipped managers use that time more effectively
  • Reduces the risk of small issues escalating into formal grievances or costly staff turnover

The workshop

Difficult Conversations is a live, facilitator-led workshop, delivered face-to-face or virtually, to individuals or as an in-house session for a whole management team. It’s built around real, practical scenarios rather than hypothetical case studies, so participants prepare for and practise the actual conversations they find hardest, with direct, honest feedback from an experienced facilitator in a safe environment.

Ideal for:

  • Managers who consistently put off a conversation they know they need to have
  • Teams experiencing ongoing tension or unresolved conflict
  • New managers facing their first genuinely difficult conversations
  • Experienced leaders who want a more consistent, confident approach under pressure
people sitting on chairs

Customer reviews


  • Workshop of real situations really brought it to life. Presentation as a whole really engaging. Best training of the programme so far.
    VERIFIED CUSTOMER
  • Good feedback and coaching techniques. Trainers brought to life the content and were engaging throughout.
    VERIFIED CUSTOMER
  • The role play exercises were really useful with good hints and tips from the facilitators that I took away and put into practice in half year reviews.
    VERIFIED CUSTOMER
  • Seriously impressed with the team that delivered the training. I wish more courses could be that enjoyable.
    VERIFIED CUSTOMER
  • Roger and his co-hosts were excellent. Kept the day friendly, collaborative, and encouraged some great discussion. Thank you.
    VERIFIED CUSTOMER

Ready to help your people have the conversations they’ve been avoiding?

Whether it’s one overdue conversation or a pattern across a whole management team, our Difficult Conversations course builds the structure and confidence to handle it well. Get in touch to talk through the right format for your team.

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Our expert team

Perform is delivered by a dynamic group of talented professionals, all focused on achieving exceptional results. Our offer is supported by a broad pool of experienced associates, bringing diverse expertise and real-world insight.