Managing Difficult Conversations and Performance

Please note: this event is run by the Small Business Development Corporation for small business owners in Western Australia only.

Addressing workplace issues, particularly underperformance, can be one of the most challenging aspects of leadership and being a successful business owner. Avoiding or mishandling these conversations can negatively impact workplace culture, team morale and overall productivity.

This workshop provides practical strategies to help you approach difficult conversations with confidence, ensuring they are handled professionally, sensitively and effectively. Learn how to prepare for and conduct these discussions in a way that supports the employee while maintaining a positive work environment. 

This topic covers:

• How to prepare for a difficult conversation
• Techniques for conducting the conversation with clarity, empathy and professionalism
• Best practices for following up after the conversation to ensure positive outcomes
• The differences between informal and formal performance management
• When and how to implement performance improvement plans effectively

This session is designed for business owners, who need to address workplace issues effectively while maintaining a positive and productive work environment.

The facilitator of this topic, Elect Training and Consulting is a respected provider of workplace health and safety solutions, providing organisations with the tools to thrive in safe and healthy working environments. Director Mark Small has more than 17 years experience as a safety professional. He is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Health and Safety, Adjunct Lecturer with Edith Cowan University and Exemplar Global certified Lead Auditor for OHS Management Systems.

Important booking information

If this is your first workshop with us or you have any queries, check out our Online Workshops Guide & FAQs or get in touch with us at workshops@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au.

Bookings are limited to two tickets each, however you can make more than one booking. If you are booking for more than one person, please provide each person's email address so they receive our emails with important links and downloads.

To book for larger groups, please contact us on 133 140 or email workshops@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au

If you cannot attend, please cancel so your place can be made available to another business owner. You can cancel your booking from the update order button on your order confirmation email. Cancellations and refunds for paid workshops can be made up to 24 hours before the workshop starts.

Additional information for workshops

We are committed to supporting all WA small business owners, including those with diverse needs. Our workshops are delivered in a variety of buildings, locations and formats. If you would like further information about accessing a particular workshop, please email workshops@smallbusiness.wa.gov.au or call 133 140.