Short summary

Learn how to prepare for a difficult conversation, explain your concern clearly and agree a constructive way forward.

About this webinar

A difficult conversation is often easier to approach when you have worked out what needs to be said, what you hope to achieve and how you will respond if the discussion becomes uncomfortable. This session will give you a practical way to prepare.

We’ll use the five Rs from Smart Conflict to consider what is happening, manage your own response and decide whether you are ready to speak. You’ll learn how to separate what you have observed from the assumptions you may have made about the other person.

We’ll then practise opening a conversation with the Third Story approach, which describes the difference between two perspectives without assigning blame. There will also be guidance on expressing a boundary, responding to disagreement and returning to a conversation that has not gone well.

You can work privately on a conversation with a colleague, manager or stakeholder. There is no expectation to share personal details with the group.

What you will learn

· Use Reflection, Regulation, Readiness, Response and Repair to prepare for and review a difficult conversation.

· Distinguish observations from interpretations so you can explain your concern fairly and specifically.

· Prepare an opening that acknowledges different perspectives and invites the other person to contribute.

· State a reasonable boundary, respond to disagreement and agree a next step or a way to repair the conversation.

Who this session is for

Anyone who would like to handle a sensitive workplace conversation more confidently,

You will leave with an opening for a conversation you need to have, wording for a boundary or request, and a preparation framework you can use again.

Bring the learning into your organisation

If this webinar speaks to a challenge you or your team are facing, I would love to hear from you.

You can reach out to me about:

  • Bespoke workshops and team development: Confidence, influence, difficult conversations, feedback, coaching skills, psychological safety and navigating change.
  • Keynotes and conference sessions: Engaging, practical talks that help people think differently and feel ready to act.
  • Leadership and individual coaching: Space to work through challenges, strengthen your impact and navigate your next professional chapter.
  • EA, PA and operational development: Building strategic partnerships, communicating with senior stakeholders, setting boundaries and growing your influence.
  • Mentoring and coaching programmes: Helping people become more confident mentors, coaches and supporters of others’ development.
  • Recruitment support through C&C Search: Finding exceptional EA, PA, business support, HR and talent professionals, across permanent, temporary and interim appointments.

You are also very welcome to email me before the webinar with a question you would like explored or any access requirements.

Get in touch: lucy@candcsearch.co.uk

There is no need to arrive with a fully formed brief. I am always happy to have a zero-pressure conversation about what is happening in your organisation and what might help.

Lucy x