Difficult conversations are often the ones we avoid—until they become bigger, messier, and more stressful than they needed to be. This practical webinar helps leaders and people managers build confidence to address performance, behaviour, expectations, and workplace tensions early, respectfully, and clearly.

You’ll learn why these conversations feel hard (including the brain’s threat response), what commonly holds us back, and how to structure a conversation so it stays calm, two-way, and constructive. You’ll leave with practical tools you can use immediately—plus simple techniques to help create a workplace culture where feedback and accountability are normal, not daunting.

• Understand what makes conversations “difficult” and recognise the common triggers that lead to avoidance, over-preparing, or over-talking.

• Use clarity with care—set and communicate expectations in a way that supports people and upholds consistent standards.

• Apply a simple structure for feedback conversations, including the DESC model, to keep discussions focused and fair.

• Reduce defensiveness and emotional escalation by understanding fight/flight/freeze responses and using mindfulness-based grounding techniques.

• Plan the conversation well (timing, privacy, and “heads up” approaches) to support a constructive outcome.

• Use practical communication skills like curiosity, listening, silence, and note-taking to avoid assumptions and increase buy-in.

• Follow up effectively with written summaries and check-ins that reinforce progress and accountability.

• Build a culture of conversation that improves trust, reduces ongoing stress, and supports retention.

About EASI NZ: 
All workshops, training, and courses are created and run by Madfli Limited, trading as Enterprise and Staffing Innovations NZ (EASI NZ). 

1. Bookings 

• To reserve your spot, you need to pay a deposit. However, your booking isn’t confirmed until the full payment is received, according to payment terms below. 

• Spaces for training are limited and considered ‘perishable’ — once booked, they can’t be sold to others. 

2. Payment 

• Invoices must be paid when you receive them. 

3. Cancellations 

• If EASI NZ cancels the course, you will get a full refund. 

• If you cancel, the fees depend on how much notice you give: 

• At least 15 days’ notice: 100% refund 

• 7-14 days’ notice: 50% refund 

• Less than 7 days’ notice: no refund 

• These cancellation fees apply even if the course is rescheduled. No part of the fee can be used as credit for future courses. 

4. Recording 

• No recordings are allowed without permission from EASI NZ. 

• If recordings are permitted, they are for secure viewing only, for a limited time. Sharing or posting recordings on social media or by email/text is not allowed. 

5. Covid-19 Policy 

• If the event needs to be postponed because of Covid-19, government rules, or similar reasons, you can choose to use your payment for a virtual event or delay to a future date. 

Disclaimer: 
EASI NZ isn’t responsible for any claims, losses, or damages caused by using the content or information provided. It’s up to you to decide how to use it, and risk is yours.