HR Skills™: Handling Difficult Conversations

HR professionals perform a wide variety of tasks within an organization. However, regardless of their role or function area, all HR managers at some point have to engage in difficult conversations. While these conversations are not easy to have, there are ways to make them less difficult.

In this course, we will define difficult conversations as those involving sensitive or contentious matters that often trigger strong emotions that can prove challenging to handle for the participants. We'll discuss how preparing for these conversations, focusing on employee behavior, engaging in active listening, and encouraging back-and-forth discussion can make them more productive. Armed with the right tools and techniques, you can handle difficult conversations and steer them to a successful conclusion.