How to Have Difficult Conversations

This course is a part of Being a Technology Manager, a 28-course Paths series from Pluralsight.

In your personal and professional relationships you have many opportunities to have critical conversations. It may feel uncomfortable bringing up sensitive topics and bringing attention to things that need to change because you may be worried about hurting feelings or overstepping boundaries. In this course, How to Have Difficult Conversations, you will learn to master the art of planning for and participating in conversations that are hard and uncomfortable, whether you are the initiator of the conversation or the subject of the meeting. First, you will see how to prepare for the difficult conversation, from purposefully planning for the meeting in the right environment to being prepared and practiced with specific language to achieve your objectives. Next, you will discover ideas and tactics for how to present the problem and keep the conversation focused, responding to emotions appropriately and keep your own emotions in check. Finally, you will explore what to do after you are done with the difficult conversation, including the critical follow-up, and how to act towards and around the people involved in the critical conversation. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge of leadership and communication needed to have successful difficult conversations.