How to Have Difficult Conversations from Pluralsight

In this course, you will learn how to improve communication and leadership skills by having successful difficult conversations. You should take this course if you want to improve personal or professional relationships and advance in your career.

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.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Preparing for a Difficult Conversation

Having the Difficult Conversation

Following up after the Difficult Conversation

Having a Difficult Conversation You Aren’t Prepared For

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores a core component of all professional and academic interactions which may help students navigate any expected difficult or high anxiety conversations and interactions

Taught by Jason Alba who is recognized in the field of communications

Explores personal and professional relationships which may be helpful to students regardless of their future field

May be useful for students in multiple disciplines, such as business, psychology, or communications

Provides both theoretical knowledge and practical strategies for having difficult conversations

May be helpful for students who are looking to improve their communication skills in a work or academic environment, regardless of their level of experience

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Have Difficult Conversations with these activities:

Follow online tutorials on effective communication and conflict resolution

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Provides structured and accessible guidance on specific aspects of communication and conflict resolution, reinforcing key concepts.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Identify reputable online tutorials on effective communication and conflict resolution.
Watch the tutorials and take notes on key points and strategies.
Practice the techniques and strategies in personal interactions.

Compile a resource bank of articles, books, and videos on difficult conversations

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Provides a valuable reference tool for further exploration and reinforcement of key concepts and strategies.

Browse courses on Difficult Conversations

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Identify and gather relevant articles, books, and videos on difficult conversations.
Organize and categorize the resources into a central repository.
Share the resource bank with others and utilize it for ongoing learning and reference.

Read 'Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most'

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Provides a framework for approaching and navigating challenging conversations effectively, enhancing communication and leadership abilities.

View Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What... on Amazon

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Summarize key concepts from each chapter.
Identify personal experiences where the framework could be applied.
Reflect on personal strengths and areas for improvement in difficult conversations.

Five other activities

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Join a peer support group for individuals seeking to improve communication skills

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Provides a supportive and interactive environment for sharing experiences, practicing skills, and receiving feedback from peers.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Identify and join a peer support group focused on improving communication skills.
Actively participate in group discussions and role-playing exercises.
Seek and provide feedback to other group members.

Attend a workshop on conflict resolution and difficult conversations

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Offers an immersive learning experience with experts and practitioners, providing practical tools and strategies for handling difficult conversations.

Browse courses on Difficult Conversations

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Identify and register for a workshop on conflict resolution and difficult conversations.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and exercises.
Apply the learned techniques and strategies in personal and professional interactions.

Role-play difficult conversations

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Develops practical skills in initiating, responding to, and managing challenging conversations through simulated scenarios.

Browse courses on Difficult Conversations

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Identify a specific difficult conversation scenario.
Prepare opening statements and responses.
Practice the conversation with a partner.
Reflect on the experience and identify areas for improvement.

Mentor or coach individuals seeking to improve their communication skills

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Provides an opportunity to solidify understanding by sharing knowledge and guiding others, while also developing leadership and communication skills.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Identify opportunities to mentor or coach individuals seeking to improve their communication skills.
Share knowledge and experiences, provide feedback, and support their development.
Reflect on own communication skills and identify areas for improvement.

Write a case study analyzing a successful difficult conversation

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Encourages in-depth analysis and application of concepts by examining real-world examples of effectively managed difficult conversations.

Browse courses on Difficult Conversations

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Identify a specific case study of a successful difficult conversation.
Analyze the context, strategies used, and outcomes.
Identify key takeaways and principles that can be applied to own situations.
Write a comprehensive case study report outlining the analysis.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Have Difficult Conversations will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Executive Coach

Executive coaches help clients identify and overcome challenges to reach their professional goals. Coaching focuses on many areas, one of which is interpersonal communication. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations teaches you how to approach and execute difficult conversations, which may be highly useful for working with clients to identify and overcome communication challenges.

See salaries and explore the career path for Executive Coach

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee all aspects of human resources, including employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training and development. Dealing with employee relations may often involve dealing with difficult conversations regarding matters such as performance, conduct, and interpersonal conflicts. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations provides valuable skills and techniques for having these conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Mediator

Mediators facilitate discussions between parties to help them reach agreements. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations provides specific instruction on how to prepare for, have, and follow up on difficult conversations, which are essential skills for mediators to have.

See salaries and explore the career path for Mediator

Negotiator

Negotiators work to reach agreements between parties. They must have excellent communication skills, including the ability to have difficult conversations. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may be valuable for those seeking to advance as negotiators because it provides techniques for addressing and resolving conflict effectively.

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Consultant

Consultants provide expert advice to clients on a variety of topics. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to have difficult conversations. How to Have Difficult Conversations may be useful for those seeking to advance as consultants, as it can help build the skills necessary to discuss challenging topics and provide constructive feedback.

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Project Manager

Project Managers oversee projects from start to finish. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate well with team members, clients, and stakeholders. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations can help build these skills by providing guidance on how to approach and execute difficult conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to have difficult conversations with employees, customers, and suppliers. How to Have Difficult Conversations may help those seeking to advance as Operations Managers, as it provides guidance for having these conversations effectively.

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Sales Manager

Sales Managers oversee sales teams and help them achieve sales goals. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to persuade and negotiate with customers and clients. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help Sales Managers build these skills, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

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Marketing Manager

Marketing Managers oversee marketing campaigns and help businesses reach their marketing goals. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and negotiate with vendors and partners. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help Marketing Managers build these skills, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

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Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers oversee public relations campaigns and help businesses manage their public image. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to communicate with the media and the public. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help Public Relations Managers build these skills, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Customer Service Manager

Customer Service Managers oversee customer service teams and help businesses provide excellent customer service. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to resolve customer issues and complaints. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help Customer Service Managers build these skills, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Manager

Team Leader

Team Leaders oversee teams of employees and help them achieve their goals. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire team members. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help Team Leaders build these skills, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Team Leader

Manager

Managers oversee teams of employees and help them achieve their goals. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire employees. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help those seeking to advance as managers, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manager

Supervisor

Supervisors oversee teams of employees and help them achieve their goals. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to motivate and inspire employees. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may help Supervisors build these skills, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and recommend solutions to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They must have strong communication skills, including the ability to present their findings and recommendations to stakeholders. The course How to Have Difficult Conversations may be helpful for Business Analysts, as it provides guidance for having difficult conversations effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst