Click the image
to enlarge it.
Name: Tough Talks: Making Difficult Conversations More Productive
Overall Rating: 5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)
Category: Supervision, Management, & Leadership
Duration: 1.50 hour(s)
Individual Fee: $25.00

When 69% of managers say they're often uncomfortable communicating with their employees, give them the tools to overcome such obstacles, boosting engagement, trust, relationships and productivity.

This Development Activity has not been scheduled.
College of Lake County
19351 West Washington Street
Building E, Suite E186
Grayslake, IL 60030
United States
Importance: Why this competency is important to our organization, mission, strategy, or goals.

Sometimes it's what's NOT said that matters more than what is. How many times do we hold back for fear of getting into trouble, when we really need to have a good conversation about a difficult subject, or we're not sure how to go about it without ruffling some feathers?

Avoiding tough talks can be disastrous in the workplace, leading to resentment, mistrust, low engagement and productivity, poor performance and more. When studies show that 69% of managers are often uncomfortable communicating with employees (officevibe.com), it's time to tackle the situation with practical tools and techniques. It's essential that all managers know how to effectively handle situations that, while awkward, are also important. Learning to have these conversations with empathy builds stronger relationships, and drives better performance.


Know and Explain: Information you will know, be able to explain, or be able to find.

Participants will: 

Gain confidence in handling tough talk situations in ways that can reduce friction and increase trust and understanding.

Determine how to ensure feedback isn't seen as another "F" word. 

Incorporate emotional intelligence and empathy into fostering greater relationships by tackling tough talks.


Do and Show: Important tasks or skills you will be able to perform and demonstrate to others.

Participants will:

Avoid common pitfalls when handling tough talks.

Apply a positive, coaching mindset to engaging in difficult conversations, seeking positive results.

Use best practices for approaching and conducting tough talks.


SkillPrerequisiteExpected Outcome
Active Listening1 - BeginnerNot specified
Building and Maintaining Relationships1 - BeginnerNot specified
Coaching and Mentoring1 - BeginnerNot specified
Communication1 - BeginnerNot specified
Giving Feedback1 - BeginnerNot specified
Leadership & Team Building1 - BeginnerNot specified
Leading People1 - BeginnerNot specified
Managing Performance1 - BeginnerNot specified
Managing Staff0 - Does Not DemonstrateNot specified
Organization Culture2 - BasicNot specified
Professionalism1 - BeginnerNot specified
Michelle Arentz, Lazarus Learning LLC
Class Costs
Class Value$50.00
Individual Fee$25.00
Private Class Fee$0.00
5.0 out of 5 (1 rating)

Worth the time! Tue, Jun 29, 2021
Learned some valuable skills.
[See all User Reviews…]