Navigating Difficult Conversations

Audience: Supervisors/Managers
Contact Hours: 6 Hours
Instructor: Aju James​, Ph.D.​
DOP-18 Applicable: Component III

Course Description:

How do you confront problems that arise in the workplace? Do you address employee​s who have missed commitments or may be exhibiting inappropriate behavior, or do you avoid them?

If you are looking for solutions to holding challenging conversations, this program is for you.

Navigating Difficult Conversations will help you:

• Identify barriers to effective communication;
• Learn a five phase model for holding challenging conversations; and
• Practice implementing the five phase model.

Join us for this research based, interactive program and learn new skills that will help you improve performance, develop better workplace relationships, and achieve results.​

Audience & Applicability:​

This class is generally applicable to both classified and classified-exempt employees. It focuses on workplace best practices that are broadly relevant, with some guidance specific to classified service. These elements are included to support cross-status understanding, especially for supervisors managing both groups or employees working alongside classified staff.​

Classified-specific areas include (but are not limited to):

• Types of performance conversations (coaching, performance counseling, progressive discipline)

Registration Information:

Please note: The virtual version includes two live virtual sessions and out-of-class assignments to process, practice, and reflect.

If you need assistance enrolling in a class, please contact dop.registrar@wv.gov.