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Description

Sensitive HR Conversations: Setting the Frame, Saying It Clearly and Securing the Outcome

Conducting a performance discussion or a difficult announcement without losing the frame or the working relationship

  • 2 days — 14 h
  • In-person or virtual
  • Foundation
  • Up to 6 participants

A formal discussion following repeated incidents, or receiving a disclosure from an employee, cannot be prepared like an ordinary meeting. Without a clear frame, these exchanges turn into confrontation or end without any decision being stated. The HR professional must hold the objective while preserving a working relationship that will continue afterwards.

Two days to prepare and conduct the most delicate conversations in the function. Each type of conversation is role-played with challenging reactions and then reviewed with the group.

Learning objectives

  • Prepare a sensitive conversation and define its precise objective
  • Set the frame and state the purpose of the meeting directly
  • Describe facts without passing judgement on the person
  • Absorb a strong emotional reaction and continue the conversation
  • Receive a disclosure and trigger the appropriate next steps
  • Formalise decisions and organise the follow-up

What makes this programme different

Five types of sensitive conversation are role-played and reviewed over the two days
Wordings are written down and then tested aloud before being adopted
The most difficult reactions are role-played without warning the person leading the conversation

Programme

1Preparing the Sensitive Conversation

Nothing Is Improvised

  • Define the objective and the expected outcome
  • Gather the facts and dated evidence
  • Choose the timing, the location and who should attend
  • Prepare the opening and the key wordings

2Performance Discussions and Difficult Announcements

Saying What Must Be Said

  • Open the conversation directly and without excessive caution
  • Describe the facts and their consequences
  • Listen to the employee's account
  • State expectations and next steps

3Reactions and Situations of Tension

Holding Steady When the Exchange Derails

  • Absorb tears, anger or silence
  • Respond to a personal accusation
  • Suspend a conversation that has become impossible
  • Resume the exchange after an incident

4Disclosures and Next Steps

Securing What Comes Afterwards

  • Receive a disclosure without steering the account
  • Distinguish what falls under listening from what falls under investigation
  • Write a factual written record
  • Organise follow-up and the protection of the people involved

Who is it for

HR managers and HR officers, as well as line managers required to conduct performance discussions, difficult announcements or return-to-work conversations.

Prerequisites

Prior experience of conducting one-to-one conversations in a professional setting.

Dates & locations

36 scheduled dates between November 2026 and December 2027. Seats are confirmed in the order enquiries are received.

November 2026

December 2026

January 2027

February 2027

March 2027

April 2027

May 2027

June 2027

September 2027

October 2027

November 2027

December 2027

None of these dates suit you? We open additional sessions on request, and any programme can be run privately for your team.

Practical details

Before the programme
Online positioning questionnaire. Your development objectives are shared with the trainer, who tailors the practical case studies to your context.
Teaching methods
Theoretical input, workshops and practical case studies. Digital course materials and method sheets provided.
Assessment
Multiple-choice tests and role-play exercises. Assessment of learning at the start and end of the programme, with immediate and 60-day follow-up evaluations.
After the programme
One year of access to the e-learning platform. Self-assessment of the skills acquired and a 30-day follow-up session with your trainer.
How to register
Registration online or on the basis of a quotation.
Lead time
11 working days after confirmation of registration.
Accessibility
Accessible to people of determination. Contact our accessibility coordinator to design a suitable solution: contact@mpf-academy.ae
Start dates
Rolling intake: in addition to the scheduled sessions, this programme can start on request.