Online course
Mastering the Hard Conversation
Do you shy away from challenging discussions at work? It's time to treat them as opportunities for growth.
The course
Elevate your leadership
This course gives you the essential skills to navigate difficult conversations confidently and effectively, whether you're addressing conflict, giving feedback or negotiating a tough decision.
You'll learn the Golden Question, how to find unique moments, the difference between "that's right" and "you're right", and how to use vision and values to keep conversations safe and respectful. Every module comes with practical tools you can use the same day.
Whether you're a manager, team leader or building your professional capacity, these skills open doors to greater collaboration and success.
Enrol today
- 7 modules, 24 lessons and 6 teaching videos
- 5 self-paced coaching tools
- Articles, reflective practice and resource lists for every skill
- Troubleshooting coaching tool
- Certificate of completion
Already enrolled? Log in to the course.
Sound familiar?
Three reasons hard conversations go wrong
Fear of conflict
Avoiding difficult conversations leaves issues unresolved and tension building. You'll learn techniques to raise concerns while keeping the dialogue constructive, respectful and safe.
Words that land badly
Difficult topics are easy to misread. Tried and tested tools like the Golden Question, unique moments and active listening help you say what you mean and handle emotional responses well.
Going in unprepared
Unplanned conversations drift. You'll learn to set clear objectives, use vision and values, gather the right information and anticipate how people may react.
What's inside
Five stages to mastery
Each stage moves from the teaching video to strategy in action, self-paced coaching tools, and reflection and evaluation.
- 11 lesson
Introduction
Why hard conversations matter and how the course works.
- 25 lessons
Stage 1: The Golden Question
One question that opens up any difficult conversation.
- 35 lessons
Stage 2: Unique Moments
Finding the openings that shift a conversation.
- 45 lessons
Stage 3: That's Right vs You're Right
Listening so people feel truly heard.
- 54 lessons
Stage 4: Vision and Values
Anchoring conversations in what your team stands for.
- 63 lessons
Stage 5: Mastering Great Practice
Feedback and reflection to strengthen your practice.
- 71 lesson
Congratulations
Celebrating your learning and next steps.
Who it's for
- Leaders who want to confront their fear of hard conversations
- Anyone who wants to handle awkward conversations with confidence
- Team members building their capacity as effective communicators
What's possible
- Resolve conflict constructively and reduce workplace stress
- Give feedback that promotes growth instead of defensiveness
- Negotiate and make decisions confidently while keeping dignity for everyone
What leaders say
From organisations Rod has worked with
We have found Rod to be professional, insightful and prepared to encourage our team to move outside of their comfort zone and really challenge their thinking and practices. We would highly recommend Rod for your business.
Justine
Rod has a unique and powerful ability to evoke emotional reactions with his audience; this is where the real change starts. I have no hesitation in recommending Rod to any organisation seeking support or inspiration for organisational change.
Robert
Your presenter
Rod Soper
Rod is an entrepreneur, coach and senior leader with more than 17 years in business. His consulting work helps organisations strengthen their leadership teams' skill in handling challenging conversations, adopting vision and values, and building their leadership brand.
His mission is to help leaders everywhere engage confidently in challenging conversations, with positive outcomes for their businesses and teams.
Questions
Who is this course for?
Any leader, or anyone in the workforce, who wants to build their capacity to have hard workplace conversations in a safe and respectful way.
How long do I have to complete it?
The modules are available for 12 months from the date you enrol, and you can work at your own pace.
When can I start?
As soon as you like. You'll get your access code straight after enrolling.
Can I get one-on-one support?
Yes. You can book additional coaching with Rod, as single sessions or a set.