Difficult conversations at work | Overcoming discomfort

This training is for you if…

You find yourself postponing certain conversations longer than you would like. When sensitive topics arise, conversation avoidance takes over, often accompanied by lingering discomfort and rising professional anxiety. You know the discussion needs to happen, but the emotional cost of starting it feels overwhelming.

This training is particularly relevant if you need to start setting boundaries at work, give difficult feedback, or address behavior that is negatively impacting collaboration or performance. You may worry about damaging the relationship, creating conflict, or being perceived as too harsh, which leads you to stay silent even when the situation continues to affect your work.

Whether you are an employee, a professional, or a manager, this training is designed for anyone who wants to stop avoiding discomfort and learn how to approach difficult conversations with more structure, emotional clarity, and confidence.

Online training or workshop: which format to choose?

Boostalab offers a variety of learning formats to meet different needs and organizational realities. The individual online training format is especially popular for its flexibility. It provides 90-day access, allowing you to learn at your own pace through asynchronous training that easily fits into a busy schedule. It is an affordable and efficient option for developing skills independently.

For teams, other options are available, such as the interactive group workshop, delivered live, or a customized team training pathway aligned with your organizational challenges. Boostalab also offers a ready-to-train LMS kit and a corporate subscription, both designed to support collaborative workplace learning over time.

👉 Explore all available formats through the Boostalab training programs.

What you will get concretely

This training focuses on action and real-world application. You will leave with tangible practical conversation tools that you can use immediately in your professional context.

You will receive downloadable templates, a decision matrix to help you clarify when and how to intervene, and the SERENE 6-step model, a structured and reassuring framework for difficult conversation preparation. The training also includes interactive scenarios based on real workplace situations, as well as 90-day unlimited access to the content. Upon completion, you will earn a professional certification issued by Boostalab.

These learnings pair well with complementary training programs such as Aligning and empowering and Constructive feedback.

Concrete benefits in your daily life

A well-handled difficult conversation has a direct impact on your well-being, your relationships, and your efficiency at work. The benefits of this training extend beyond the conversation itself and quickly translate into everyday professional situations.

Reduction of professional stress and anticipatory anxiety

The training supports meaningful professional stress reduction and a noticeable decrease in anticipatory anxiety related to difficult conversations. By using a clear structure and proven tools, you spend less time overthinking, replaying scenarios, or anticipating worst-case outcomes. You also benefit from significant preparation time savings, knowing exactly how to get ready and what to address.

Improvement of work relationships and preservation of professional connections

Learning how to address sensitive topics with clarity and respect leads to improved work relationships, even during moments of disagreement. The training helps prevent escalation, supports effective conflict resolution, and contributes to the preservation of professional relationships, while still allowing you to name issues directly and constructively.

Increased confidence and professional credibility

As you practice these skills, your professional posture evolves. You experience a genuine communication confidence gain, develop stronger workplace emotion management skills, and become more comfortable navigating emotionally charged situations. This increased clarity and composure reinforce your professional credibility in the eyes of colleagues, collaborators, and managers.

Want to go further?

This training can be part of a broader training pathway, depending on your role and your continuous professional development goals. To strengthen complementary skills related to communication and team management, you may also be interested in the following programs:

• Effective workplace communication
• Stopping incivility in its tracks | Actions for managers
• Contributing to an incivility-free workplace
• Constructive feedback
• All our training programs
  

FAQ

1. How long does it take to complete the training?

The training duration depends on your pace. You benefit from 90-day access, allowing you to complete the self-paced training according to your availability and learning preferences.

2. Is this training suitable for employees without managerial responsibilities?

Yes. Difficult conversations with colleagues and peer feedback are common across all roles. This employee training is relevant regardless of hierarchical position.

3. Will I receive practical tools or just theory?

The training emphasizes application. You will receive a downloadable toolbox, the SERENE model, concrete practical tools and templates, and interactive scenarios designed for immediate use in real workplace situations.

4. What if I’ve already taken a communication training?

This training goes further by focusing specifically on emotional discomfort and high-stakes situations. It complements broader programs such as Effective workplace communication.

5. Is the certification recognized by employers?

The Boostalab certification is a recognized professional certificate that supports ongoing professional development and demonstrates a concrete investment in workplace communication skills. The training is also approved by l'Ordre des CRHA.

6. Can I purchase this training for my team?

Yes. Group purchases are available and include volume discounts: 30% off for 5–9 participants, and 50% off for 10 participants or more.

7. What is the difference with the “Contributing to an incivility-free workplace” training?

This training focuses on one-on-one difficult conversations, while Contributing to an incivility-free workplace addresses the overall team climate and collective workplace dynamics.

8. Does the SERENE model really work in highly confrontational situations?

Yes. The SERENE model was designed specifically to bring structure and emotional clarity to challenging exchanges, even in highly confrontational contexts, helping participants stay grounded and constructive.