CTRI ACHIEVE

Communication Skills

Conflict Management

Difficult Conversations

Strategies for Challenging Discussions

Avoiding difficult conversations often makes problems worse. This training teaches leaders how to approach tough discussions with clarity, confidence, and respect.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included

Lead Difficult Conversations with Confidence

Whether sharing bad news with a client, providing corrective action, or talking with a colleague about an uncomfortable issue, difficult conversations are typically stressful and often take a large mental and emotional toll. Many people avoid difficult conversations for these reasons, or find themselves ill prepared when they must have them. Yet, the ability to handle difficult conversations respectfully and professionally is one of the most important skills for success in the workplace. This workshop will review the key elements of preparing for, conducting, and concluding difficult conversations. Participants will leave with a set of tools to help ensure that difficult conversations are productive, professional, and respectful for all involved.

Learning Objectives

Describe how to prepare for the next difficult conversation you encounter

Identify when and how to conduct a difficult conversation

List some tools to help you in your difficult conversations

12,500+

Professionals Trained

4.3 Stars

Trustpilot Rating

500+

Organizations Served

Choose Your Format

Training options built for real-world needs.

Most Popular

On-Demand Workshop

Recorded workshop for flexible, self‑paced learning.

$149

/ per person

Start right away – no scheduling required

Learn at your own pace, in manageable sections

Follow along with a full downloadable manual

Earn a certificate and continuing education credits

Access anytime, on any device

Share access across your team for consistent learning

Live Virtual Workshop

Interactive sessions with experienced facilitators.

From $309

/ per person

Learn from an experienced facilitator

Ask questions and get real-time guidance

Connect and learn alongside peers

Engage in discussions and practical exercises

Earn 6 CECs per day of training

Receive a certificate upon completion

View Upcoming Dates

Personalized training solutions for your team.

Starting at

$3500

per session

Additional Options

On-Demand Webinar

Condensed training in a video format.

Standalone written learning resource.

What You'll Learn

Strengthen your professional toolkit with strategies you can apply right away. The objectives below outline the core competencies you'll build through this training.

Prepare for the Conversation

Learn how to think through a difficult conversation before you have it – clarifying what you need to say, what outcome you're working toward, and how to set the right conditions.

Communicate Clearly Under Pressure

Develop skills for delivering a difficult message in a way that is direct, honest, and clear – without becoming blunt, harsh, or defensive.

Manage Your Own Emotional Reactions

Build strategies for staying regulated when conversations get charged, so you can respond thoughtfully rather than react in ways you'll regret.

Address Issues Directly and Early

Practice naming problems before they become bigger with language that opens a conversation rather than shutting it down.

Maintain Trust Through Hard Conversations

Understand how, when done well, honesty actually builds trust, and develop the skills to balance directness with care for the relationship.

Follow Through on Commitments

Learn how to close difficult conversations with clarity about next steps, accountability, and follow-up so they actually lead to change.

Our Approach

Grounded in research, practical application, and real‑world experience.

Accessible

Clear, approachable learning without unnecessary jargon.

Applicable

Content designed for real‑world challenges and opportunities.

Engaging

Facilitators bring content to life through stories and examples.

Practical

Skills and tools designed for everyday use in your setting.

What People Are Saying

Insights from our participants.

"

I'll definitely be on the look out for further training from Achieve. Through other participants I have heard excellent things about other courses. The strengths of the training were the ease of access and the excellent trainer who knew their materials very well and included all participants in the lecture."

Katja Moehl

Bay St. George Residential Support Board

"

ACHIEVE Centre for Leadership has become one of our most trusted resources for all things related to workplace culture and leadership. We have utmost confidence that any of their resources and materials are well-researched, verified, and represents best-practice in the industry. "

Nicole McKeen

City of Kawartha Lakes

"

The best parts of the workshop were that the instructor was engaging, knowledgeable, and professional, and that the diverse group of participants provided interesting contributions and discussion."

Laine Jensen

Edmonton Police Service

FAQs

Common questions about the training.

This training is for:

Leaders, managers, and supervisors

Human resources and people operations teams

Executive directors and senior leadership

Team leads and project managers

Employees moving into leadership roles

Professionals in corporate or organizational settings

Nonprofit and public sector administrators

Anyone who wants to strengthen their leadership and team skills

What does this training cover?

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This workshop teaches leaders how to prepare for, deliver, and follow up on difficult conversations. Participants will learn how to give feedback, address performance, manage conflict, and handle sensitive workplace issues.

Who is this training for?

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This training is designed for managers, supervisors, team leads, and HR professionals who need to have regular difficult conversations as part of their leadership role.

What makes a conversation ""difficult""?

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Conversations feel difficult when they involve high stakes, differing views, or strong emotions. This workshop focuses on developing the skills to engage with these conversations rather than avoid them.

Does this training help with giving feedback?

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Yes. Delivering constructive and corrective feedback clearly and respectfully is a key application of the skills developed in this workshop.

Is this training available online or on-demand?

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Yes. ACHIEVE offers this workshop in live, on-demand, and private formats. View current dates or contact us to arrange a session for your team.

Can this be combined with Conflict Resolution or Coaching Strategies training?

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Yes. These workshops work well together for leaders building their full range of people skills. Contact ACHIEVE for options.

Have Conversations That Move Work Forward

Learn how to approach difficult conversations with clarity, confidence, and respect so important issues get addressed rather than avoided. View live training dates, explore on-demand options, or bring this workshop to your team.

Start Learning View Upcoming Dates

Available for Private Delivery

Certificate Included