Manager Development

Navigating Difficult Conversations

  • Live virtual or in person
  • 3 hours
  • HRCI & SHRM credit

Live virtual or in person · 3 hours · HRCI & SHRM credit

Ann Verdine-JonesAshley Wood
Your facilitatorsAnn Verdine-Jones and Ashley Wood

Managers face difficult conversations on a regular basis - layoffs, termination, personal situations, poor job performance, admitting to big mistakes, investigating misconduct, reporting a grievance, etc.

$339 per seatNext session Nov 17
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Upcoming sessions

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Nov17
Tuesday, November 17
Raleigh
9:00 AM ET
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Mar18
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Virtual
9:00 AM ET
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Jun3
Thursday, June 3, 2027
Charlotte
9:00 AM ET
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Sep15
Wednesday, September 15, 2027
Raleigh
9:00 AM ET
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What you will learn

Skills you will walk away with

  • Identify the most common types of difficult and crucial workplace conversations
  • Apply a structured process to prepare for and lead high‑stakes conversations
  • Use practical strategies to manage emotions, differing opinions, and resistance
  • Communicate clearly and respectfully during sensitive discussions
  • Navigate challenging situations with confidence while maintaining trust and professionalism

About this course

What this course covers

Managers face difficult conversations on a regular basis – layoffs, termination, personal situations, poor job performance, admitting to big mistakes, investigating misconduct, reporting a grievance, etc. In this module, participants will learn effective strategies and processes for dealing with the most common kinds of difficult conversations. They will also learn about the steps for having a crucial conversation – one in which stakes are high, opinions vary, and emotions run high.

Who should attend. All managers: new/experienced and first-line/middle/senior.

This course is part of Advanced Management I: The Relational Leader (TRL) Certificate Program.

Reviewed by Breni Malpass, Senior HR Advisor, and Stephanie Dillon, Lead Senior HR Advisor. See Catapult HR Advisors.

FormatLive virtual or in person
LocationVirtual, or Charlotte and Raleigh Learning Centers
Navigating Difficult Conversations training session

Your facilitators

Who teaches this course

Ann Verdine-Jones, Facilitator at Catapult

Ann Verdine-Jones

Learning On Demand Consultant

Leads the November 17, March 18, 2027 and September 15, 2027 sessions

Ann Verdine-Jones, MBA, is a Human Resource professional with more than 30 years of experience. While Ann has successfully managed all areas of HR, her recent ventures include an adjunct faculty appointment, consulting with organizations nationally on strategic initiatives, leadership coaching and development, and cross-sectional team building. As an experienced curriculum developer, Ann has successfully designed and implemented dynamic educational programs tailored to diverse audiences. Ann has collaborated with stakeholders, subject matter experts, and educators to ensure curricula are relevant, inclusive, and impactful. Her expertise in integral digital learning tools and adapting content for various learning styles has contributed to the success of numerous workshops and training programs. Ann holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Regent University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University.

Ashley Wood, Facilitator at Catapult

Ashley Wood

Learning On Demand Consultant

Leads the June 3, 2027 Charlotte session

Ashley is an accomplished business and people leader with more than 20 years of experience driving organizational success through strategic insight and a deep understanding of human behavior in the workplace. Throughout her career, Ashley has held executive, operations, and human resources leadership roles across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, technology, hospitality, education, retail, and manufacturing. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resource Management, and is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), Certified Executive Coach (CEC), and Certified Change Manager (CCM). Since joining Catapult in 2020, Ashley has served as both an advisor and, more recently, a contract facilitator and content creator.

See the full team of Catapult HR Advisors.

Good to know

Course questions

It is delivered live online and in person at the Charlotte and Raleigh Learning Centers. Each session runs 3 hours.

All managers: new/experienced and first-line/middle/senior.

A single seat is $339 for non-members and $269 for members. It is also included with a Class Pass.

Next: Nov 17 · 4 upcoming dates. Pick a date from the list above to register.

Yes. Private delivery is available for your organization, scheduled around your calendar, live online or on site.

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