This difficult conversations training course is designed for agencies, departments, and organisations that want to build staff confidence and capability when handling challenging workplace discussions. Delivered as a half-day program, either face-to-face or online, it equips participants with practical strategies to prepare, conduct, and follow up on conversations that matter.
McMillan’s difficult conversations training helps staff approach sensitive workplace discussions with clarity, confidence, and professionalism.
Group-focused training: Available exclusively for agencies, departments, and organisations — not for individual enrolments.
Interactive delivery: Run on-site or as a live online workshop, with discussions, role plays, and practical activities (not a passive webinar).
Practical outcomes: Participants prepare, practise, and reflect on real workplace scenarios.
Trusted partner: McMillan has decades of experience supporting APS and corporate capability development.
Explore what makes conversations difficult and how to prepare effectively.
Learn strategies for managing emotions and staying focused.
Practice questioning and listening techniques to guide conversations.
Build skills for giving and receiving feedback constructively.
Recognise and respond to defensive behaviours.
Apply conflict management approaches to resolve issues professionally.
By the end of this difficult conversations training, participants will be able to:
McMillan’s Managing Difficult Conversations course is delivered to workplace groups as a half-day program.
Consultation and design fee (one-off per program): $1,200 +GST
(only payable once, even if the program is delivered multiple times)
Half-day workshop delivery (face to face): $3,200 +GST
Half-day workshop delivery (interactive online workshop): $3,000 +GST
Programs are priced for groups, with up to 18 participants recommended for maximum engagement. Each delivery is tailored to reflect your workplace context, ensuring examples and activities are directly relevant.
Workplace groups from agencies, departments, or organisations that want to strengthen staff capability in handling sensitive conversations. This is not a program for individual enrolment.
Yes. The program can be run as a live virtual workshop. Online delivery is interactive, activity-based, and supported by a facilitator — not a passive webinar.
We recommend a maximum of 18 participants per workshop. This ensures active engagement and personalised practice.
Yes. Each delivery includes a one-off consultation and design process to ensure activities, examples, and case studies reflect your workplace context.
Yes. Many organisations choose to run multiple sessions. The consultation and design fee is only charged once, no matter how many times the program is delivered.
McMillan makes it simple to build confidence and capability in your agency, department, or organisation. Our Managing Difficult Conversations course is:
Agile: Delivered face to face or online to fit your team’s schedule.
Effective: Practical outcomes that translate directly into workplace conversations.
Tailored: Content and examples aligned to your workplace’s context and priorities.
Supported: Our facilitators guide participants through realistic scenarios for lasting results.
Bring this half-day workshop to your workplace and see immediate improvements in confidence, communication, and conflict resolution.
Contact McMillan Staff Development to arrange a tailored quote and schedule.
