Summary
Managers shape performance, engagement, clarity, accountability, and team culture. This course develops practical management capability in Difficult Conversations so leaders can guide people more effectively and handle everyday management situations with confidence. In this Difficult Conversations Training Course in Nanjing (Leadership & Management), participants build practical capability in Difficult Conversations with focus on preparation, emotional control, constructive dialogue, and resolution. The programme is designed for organisations in Nanjing that want improved operational delivery, clearer judgement, and improved on-the-job implementation.
The programme goes beyond theory to explore how Difficult Conversations works in practice — covering how effective implementation works, where typical weaknesses occur, and how participants can put the learning into practice straight away within their own teams.
Audience
- team leaders and supervisors
- leaders who need stronger consistency in communication, accountability, and coaching
- new and experienced managers
- functional managers responsible for performance and people development
- high-potential professionals moving into leadership roles
Learning Outcomes
- translate leadership intent into day-to-day action
- handle Difficult Conversations with more clarity, composure, and fairness
- handle performance, feedback, and accountability conversations more effectively
- apply practical management approaches in live team situations
- improve team coordination, motivation, and follow-through
- set expectations and communicate with greater clarity
- recognise common management mistakes and respond more constructively
Agenda / Modules
Module 1: Understanding tension and triggers
- why Difficult Conversations become unproductive
- triggers, assumptions, and communication breakdowns
- separating issue, emotion, and intent
Module 2: Preparing for the conversation
- clarifying the purpose and desired outcome
- choosing timing, setting, and evidence
- preparing messages that are clear but respectful
Module 3: Running the discussion constructively
- using language that keeps the discussion constructive
- balancing directness with empathy
- asking questions and listening for understanding
Module 4: Responding to reactions
- responding to defensiveness, silence, or escalation
- staying calm and focused under pressure
- keeping the conversation anchored to facts and outcomes
Module 5: Resolution and follow-through
- agreeing next steps and accountability
- documenting outcomes where needed
- using the discussion to strengthen trust and clarity
Business Benefits
- clearer expectations, communication, and accountability
- better engagement and performance conversations
- fewer unresolved issues and stronger quality of difficult workplace conversations
- stronger manager capability and team leadership quality
- more consistent people management across teams
- improved confidence in challenging management situations
What’s Included
- tools and frameworks for everyday leadership and people decisions
- optional tailoring to management level, function, or team context
- manager-focused workshop with practical scenarios and discussion
- reflection exercises and action planning
- materials that support application after the course
FAQs
1. Who should attend this Difficult Conversations course?
This programme is designed for professionals, managers, and teams who need stronger practical capability in Difficult Conversations. We can adjust the participant mix to reflect different functions, levels, and priorities.
2. Can the course be tailored for our organisation in Nanjing?
Yes. The programme can be adapted to your industry, internal terminology, systems, policies, examples, and team challenges so the learning is more directly usable after the workshop.
3. Is this course suitable for mixed-function groups?
Generally, yes. The workshop can be run for a single function or for mixed groups where collaboration across roles is important.
4. Does the course include practical exercises?
Yes. Depending on the format, the course can include hands-on activities, scenario walkthroughs, group reflection, and facilitator-guided practice.
5. Can this be delivered virtually as well as in person?
Yes. We offer in-person delivery in Nanjing, live online sessions, and tailored corporate programmes for teams throughout China and the wider Asia-Pacific region.