Difficult Conversations

A deep practice intensive on navigating the conversations most people avoid.

About This Intensive

An extended, practice-intensive session on the structure, skill, and emotional capacity required to move through difficult conversations. Participants will work with real scenarios, practice multiple approaches, and develop the ability to stay present when conversations become uncomfortable. This intensive goes well beyond introductory communication skills and focuses on building the kind of relational competence that changes how a team functions.

We'll cover:

• The emotional and structural anatomy of difficult conversations
• How to open, hold, and close conversations where the stakes are high
• How to stay regulated when the other person becomes defensive, emotional, or silent
• How to repair a conversation that has gone off track in real time
• How to build a personal practice for approaching difficult conversations with steadiness
• The role of power, identity, and position in shaping who risks what in hard conversations

You'll leave with:

• A personal conversation framework tested through practice
• Language and structure for a range of difficult conversation scenarios
• A development plan for continuing to build this skill over time

Designed for: Leaders, managers, and practitioners in mission-driven organizations seeking professional development or continuing education credit.