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April 11, 201
Created by: Tina Ames-Smith
Contact details: christinaames@gmail.com

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• This is safe and positive environment to share in.
• Be respectful and courteous.
•Please turn cell phones off /Silent. If you need to make or
take a call please feel free to step outside of class to do so.
• You may have drinks in class.
•Please reframe from eating in the class.
• Washroom breaks– feel free to step out when needed.

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Agenda
 Introductions and Agenda Review
Difficult conversations we encounter
What to think about when preparing for difficult conversations
Break – 20 Minutes
Things to remember during difficult conversations
Activity
Break – 20 Minutes
Top 6 mistakes that can turn difficult conversations into
disasters.
Closing Summary and Q&A

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1. Name
2. Role & Supporting
Line of Business.
3. Say one word that
comes to mind when
you think of difficult
conversations.

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Having difficult conversations can be one of the most
stressful and uncomfortable aspects of our lives and
work.
 What are some types of
difficult conversations
you have encountered?
 How did you feel about
having them?

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Difficult conversations are never easy, so there are a
few things you do to prepare and make an
uncomfortable situation slightly less awkward.
1. Choose the right place to have the conversations
• Talk privately - Preserve employees’ dignity and
privacy by keeping delicate conversations
behind closed doors.
• Consider holding the meeting in a neutral place.

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2. Plan your approach with various reactions in mind.
• Ask yourself questions such as, how might the
person react to the conversation?
• Consider how the person will react, then
develop a few contingency plans.
What kind of emotions or reactions can the person
have?
What would be some types of contingency plans you
can put in place?

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3. Know your objectives
What do you want to accomplish with the conversation?
What are the desired outcome and action items?
What are the non-negotiable?
What is the support plan and follow up steps going to be?

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How Would You Prepare and
Approach? Activity
Instructions:
•Break out into assigned groups.
• Review group assigned case study.
• On flip Chart paper provided map out strategy for the
following 3 points.
• Where will you have the conversation?
• What is your approach?
• What are your objectives? List questions you would
ask.
• Each group will present approach.
Objective: Practice preparing for difficult conversation.

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1. Go in with a inquiring mindset
• Spend time to reflect on your attitude
toward the situation and the person
involved.
• What are your preconceived notions about
it?
•Be open to hear what the person has to say,
get clarity on the situation. Let them tell
their story.

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•A calm demeanor on your part can inspire
confidence that you will handle the
situation in a professional manner.
• It also encourages the employee to calm
down and better explain the
circumstances.
2. Keep your emotions in check

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•Some problem-solving can be done immediately, while other
matters will take additional time or require the involvement of
additional people.
•Make sure the employee is aware of the process and
understands expectations.
•Follow up with the employee after the difficult conversation.
Sometimes people have additional thoughts or questions after
they have had time to process a discussion.
3. Determine Next Steps

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Top 6 mistakes that can turn difficult
conversations into disasters
Going in with negative attitude.
Avoiding the conversation.
Responding to or reacting to emotional state.
Delivering bad news via email.
Trying to fill in the silence.
Rushing to get it over with.

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So.. When Getting Prepared For a Difficult
Conversation
Choose the right place to have the
conversations.
Plan your approach with various
reactions in mind.
Know your objectives.

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Go in with a inquiring mindset.
Keep your emotions in check.
Determine next steps.

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Difficult conversations often take a large mental and
emotional toll on all participants. Being prepared
and ready to take on the conversation is a skills that
will be exercised throughout your career.
Understanding support you have to help you
through is key.
What was one key thing you will bring to your next
difficult conversation?

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THANK YOU !