Start a conversation ↗

Description

Difficult HR Conversations: Setting the Frame, Leading the Discussion and Standing by the Decision

Two days to lead tense HR conversations without avoidance and without hardening the relationship unnecessarily

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

Turning down a transfer request, meeting an employee who reports distress, addressing inappropriate behaviour, preparing an exit: HR professionals lead conversations in which emotion often takes precedence over content. Without preparation, the discussion drifts towards justification or avoidance.

These 14 hours focus on emotionally charged HR conversations, distinct from the annual appraisal or the mobility interview. Participants practise on real situations: setting a clear frame, sticking to the facts, acknowledging the reaction without conceding on the decision, and recording what needs to be recorded.

Learning objectives

  • Qualify the situation and define the exact purpose of the conversation before scheduling it
  • Prepare a structure that separates established facts from interpretations
  • Deliver an unfavourable decision clearly and without excessive justification
  • Acknowledge a strong emotional reaction without losing the thread of the conversation
  • Refer an employee to the appropriate contact when the situation goes beyond your role
  • Formalise the outcomes of the conversation and organise their follow-up

What makes this programme different

Role-play exercises built from cases brought by the participants
Focused work on delivering an unfavourable decision and on the opening minutes
A preparation grid ready to use as soon as you return to your role

Programme

1Qualifying the situation and preparing the conversation

What is decided before entering the room

  • Distinguishing the perceived problem from the problem that can be addressed in a conversation
  • Gathering and verifying the available facts
  • Defining the objective of the conversation and what is non-negotiable
  • Choosing the timing, the location and the people present

2Leading the discussion and holding the frame

Listening without losing the thread

  • An opening that states the purpose and the structure without detours
  • Factual description and reformulation of what the employee says
  • Handling silences, tears, anger and accusations
  • Responding to attempts at negotiation and personal challenge

3Handling the most sensitive situations

Reference points by type of situation

  • Announcing a refused promotion or salary increase
  • Addressing inappropriate behaviour and restating the rules
  • Meeting an employee reporting distress or a serious conflict
  • Conversations preparing an exit or a role reorganisation
  • Limits of the HR role and referral to the relevant parties

4Securing the follow-up and protecting your own stance

What happens after the conversation

  • Writing a factual and proportionate record of the discussion
  • Informing the managers concerned while respecting confidentiality
  • Organising follow-up and review points
  • Managing your own emotional load and drawing on the HR team

Who is it for

HR managers and officers, employee relations managers and line managers holding HR responsibilities.

Prerequisites

Already conducting one-to-one interviews as part of your role

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.