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  • Delta Hotels by Marriott - Tudor Park Country Club

    Spaces left
    • 5th Feb 2026
    • 9:30am - 4:30pm
    • £295.00 (+ VAT)
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In-house training

  • All of our courses can be delivered in-house for up to 12 people and are tailor-made to your needs. The course can be held at your premises, a nearby venue or online via our virtual classroom.
  • £1245 (+VAT & Travel)
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Why book this course?

One of the most difficult parts of management is having those difficult conversations. This might mean tackling a sensitive topic, challenging certain behaviours or dealing with conflict. Addressing these issues requires planning, a flexible approach and strong interpersonal skills.

This course explores the practical steps that managers can take, as well as the implications of undertaking those challenging conversations. You will learn about the reasons for conflict, how to listen and engage with people, how to identify issues and how to support and reward positive progress.

Who is the course for?

Our Managing Challenging Conversations course is ideal for managers who want to develop better techniques for tackling those difficult discussions. 

All of our learners will benefit from a better understanding of the issues that can spark heated or emotional exchanges, and discover ways to tackle those difficult conversations whilst communicating effectively.

What content will the course cover?

  • Planning the conversation

  • Choosing the right time and the right place

  • Structuring your conversation

  • Dealing with conflict

  • Handling sensitive issues

  • Saying 'no'

  • Coping with aggressive behaviours

  • Staying assertive and flexible

  • Forming an agreement

  • Reflecting on and learning from your difficult conversation

What will I get out of the training?

After attending this course, you will have a better understanding of when it is appropriate to have those challenging conversations as well as how to plan and confidently manage the conversation. We’ll give you the confidence to take on the toughest conversations and give you the tools to manage the conversation in a clear and constructive manner.

At Kent Trainers we believe in delivering bespoke courses that attend to the needs of all businesses. Learners on our Managing Challenging Conversations course will have ample opportunities to ask questions and discuss specific issues with our trainers, gaining unique knowledge and insights that they can apply in their workplace.

What is the duration of this course?

This is a 1 day course.

  • In-house & bespoke courses, held virtually or at a venue of your choice

For all in-house training courses, we will adapt the timings and format for each day around the needs of your organisation and team. Please get in touch with us to discuss your requirements.

  • Scheduled training courses held at one of our venues

Courses commence at 9:30am and finish at approximately 4:30pm. A hot and cold buffet lunch is included on all our scheduled courses, and refreshments are provided throughout the day.

  • Scheduled training courses held virtually

Unless specified, courses commence at 9:30am and finish at approximately 4:00pm.  The day is broken up into modules, both online and offline to ensure engagement and interaction.  We also ensure that there are plenty of comfort breaks throughout the day.

Who will train me?

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Director of Training

Suzanne Shaw

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What is my experience?

I have been fortunate enough to have worked across the globe, with over 20 years in senior management and training roles. Throughout this time, I have gained a wealth of experience working across a diverse range of teams, cultures, and industries.

My roles in learning and development have been across both the private and public sector. These included working as a European Training Manager, based in Italy, as well as Senior Lecturer, delivering customer service training to NVQ's levels 2 & 3. Whilst working as Head of Training at a Kent based consultancy, I also headed up the delivery of ILM programmes and became the Internal Verifier for all courses up to level 7.

In 2006 I launched my own Training and Business Consultancy, allowing me to incorporate my knowledge of Business Management with Training. My focus since then has been on developing and delivering bespoke Personal Development and Management training courses for not only SME’s but right through to large corporations and public sector.

What is my area of expertise?

I oversee the Kent Trainers training programmes, including the Leadership and Management programmes, which are accredited by The Institute of Leadership and Management. I maintain a keen interest in keeping our focus on delivering high quality, consistently relevant courses.

Specialist areas I cover include:
Management and Leadership
Performance Management
Customer Service
Team Development
Sales/Telesales
Coaching and Mentoring
Personal Development

Why I love inspiring others?

I have a passion and enthusiasm for training which I believe is crucial to any training environment.  I believe in giving inspiring, thought provoking training that is not only engaging but can be utilised in real life, whether that is in business or life in general.

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