Facilitating difficult conversations
Keep sensitive discussions safe, focused and productive.
Some topics are hard to discuss in a group. This programme helps facilitators prepare, set ground rules and manage conflict calmly. Participants practise with realistic scenarios.
Who it is for: Trainers, HR business partners and managers.
Duration: 1–3 days. Group size: up to 25. Format: on-site, virtual or blended, across the UK and online.
What it covers
- Preparing for difficult topics
- Ground rules
- Managing conflict in the room
- Closing well
Outcomes
- Facilitators feel confident leading discussions on sensitive topics.
- Group discussions stay productive, respectful and focused.
- Teams avoid fewer difficult topics, because they trust the process.
How it works
- Needs assessment: Before the programme, we hold a needs assessment call with you. You can also opt for an in-depth assessment of needs and starting points.
- Tailored workshop delivery: We design the workshop around those results, using cases and examples from your sector. Sessions use modern, activity-based methods developed by our international learning and development specialists and subject-matter experts.
- Follow-up and report: After the workshop, we send a report covering participation, learning and recommended next steps. When your team is ready, we can design a Level 2 programme that builds on the first.
Questions
- Which language is the training delivered in? Sessions are delivered in English. Other languages are available on request. Let us know your team’s preference and we will build your workshop around it.
- What do participants need to prepare? Nothing formal. We may send a short questionnaire beforehand, and participants should bring real examples from their work.
- How do you measure results? We combine evidence-based assessment, structured feedback and expert evaluation. Depending on the programme, this includes pre-training needs and knowledge assessments, learning checks during the workshop, post-training evaluations, participant feedback and trainer observations. Longer programmes can add manager feedback and follow-up assessments.
Contact OPDEV · ask@opdevinternational.co.uk · London, UK