Difficult conversations are more than routine friction to manage; handling them effectively can help strengthen workplace relationships. This intermediate-level course helps you understand realistic workplace scenarios and build practical skills for managing difficult conversations that can affect workplace relationships, using a story-based eLearning format.

Managing Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

Managing Difficult Conversations in the Workplace
This course is part of Leadership Foundations Specialization

Instructor: LearnKartS
Access provided by CalArts
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
2 hours to complete
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
Recognize when a workplace conversation requires direct handling instead of avoidance.
Prepare for difficult conversations effectively, with a structured and professional mindset.
Structure conversations clearly so discussions stay focused and productive, even under pressure.
Close conversations with clear accountability and next steps, supporting stronger working relationships and effective follow-through.
Skills you'll gain
- Leadership
- Active Listening
- Empathy
- Communication Strategies
- Communication
- People Management
- Trustworthiness
- Self-Awareness
- Emotional Intelligence
- Relationship Management
- Constructive Feedback
- Assertiveness
- Composure
- De-escalation Techniques
- Tactfulness
- Discussion Facilitation
- Rapport Building
- Interpersonal Communications
- Conflict Management
- Accountability
Details to know

Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
4 assignments
Taught in English
Recently updated!
September 2026
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

Build your subject-matter expertise
This course is part of the Leadership Foundations Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
- Learn new concepts from industry experts
- Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
- Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
- Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course
Earn a career certificate
Add this credential to your LinkedIn profile, resume, or CV. Share it on social media and in your performance review.
Instructor

218 Courses267,750 learners
Offered by
Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."
Explore more from Business

LearnKartS

LearnKartS


