We put off difficult conversations to avoid making waves; the waves always come back bigger.
Announcing a decision that disappoints, naming a behavior that causes problems: nobody enjoys doing this. But when well prepared, these moments can strengthen trust. This module shows you what is really at stake (the facts, the emotions, and each person’s identity), gives you a five-step method, and even lets you rehearse with AI before the real conversation.
~20 min at your own paceKey skill: Difficult ConversationsAvailable in FR + ENNo prerequisites
What you’ll take away
- a framework for spotting the three conversations that overlap in every tense exchange
- the five-step method that structures the conversation, from preparing to closing
- a way to practice with AI before your most sensitive announcements
Who it’s for
Managers who want a method for sensitive topics, from resetting expectations to announcing a delicate decision.
Learning objectives
- Understand what avoiding a difficult conversation costs, for the relationship and for the team.
- Distinguish the three conversations that happen at once (facts, emotions, and identity) so you no longer wear yourself out on just one.
- Lead the conversation in five steps: prepare, open directly, listen first, say it with “I” statements, and close with commitments.
- Adapt the conversation to today’s situations: holding it remotely, practicing with AI, and involving HR when the situation requires it.
How does this module work?
The steps of the Adaptive module.
- Self-assessmentOn nine dimensions, to gauge current habits and guide the practice.
- Expert videoA ~10 min video with three pauses for reflection.
- Practice scenariosThe first two scenarios chosen from the self-assessment, then sixteen more, optional. Every answer gets feedback: what it leads to, and one way to improve.
- Dated commitmentOne action to try, written by the learner or chosen from the suggestions.
- Memo to downloadKey takeaways, questions, commitment, personal notes, and checklists.
Duration: ~20 min. Excluding bonus practice scenarios and optional in-depth content.
