Powerful Conversations: Handling Conflict and Challenging Conversations with Confidence (5 places available)

Powerful Conversations (Professional Development Series)
Handling Conflict and Challenging Conversations with Confidence

Online Professional Development Series = 2 X half days  / 9.30am - 1pm via Zoom

Thursday November 5th:  Challenging Conversations - Session 1

Thursday November 12th: Giving Feedback that Lands & Assertiveness – Session 2

Cost for series: €95 member; €150 non-member / per person
(with 50% Skillnet funding applied)
Contact alison@icbe.ie for more details/if you are interested in this programme
Also available as an in-company programme

Managing conflict, handling difficult conversations and giving constructive feedback are all part of a People Manager’s set of responsibilities. Disagreements happen and tensions arise, which can be challenging and quite complex to navigate.

On completion of the programme participants will:

• Understand what is at the root of conflictual interactions
• Know how to bring contentious exchanges to a more positive outcome
• Understand the psychology of feedback and deliver it in a way the other person is open to hearing
• Use structures that support assertiveness in conversations when needed
• Understand the impact of unresolved conflict, and manage their thoughts and emotions during and after challenging conversations

This programme is suitable for Managers and Leaders with people Management responsibilities. It is also useful for Human Resources personnel who support Managers and Employees when conflict arises in the workplace.

These sessions are highly interactive with a strong focus on group discussion and practical exercises drawing on participants' own experiences, and in breakout rooms we'll be trying out coaching and feedback models.

Participants will need their cameras on throughout and should be able to use their microphones to take part in discussion and breakout rooms.

Also important to note: participants should be in a space where they won't be disturbed and can't be overheard, to protect the confidentiality of everyone on the course.

Programme Content
Module 1: Challenging Conversations: deconstructing conflict and what sits at its root (SCARF model and conflict styles); bringing contentious exchanges to a more positive outcome; the impact of unresolved and ongoing conflict; managing thoughts and emotions during and after challenging conversations

Module 2: Giving Feedback that Lands & Assertiveness: the psychology of feedback; delivering feedback the other person is open to hearing, including when you used to be a peer; addressing small issues early; structures for assertiveness, including the BIFF model

Facilitated by Megan Kenny - https://www.czonecoaching.ie/

Megan is a Leadership and Executive Coach with a background in Psychology and a deep passion for personal development. She helps individuals unlock their full potential in personal and professional contexts through a coaching approach grounded in self-awareness, growth and meaningful communication. Her work focuses on building confidence, wellbeing and coaching capability across all levels of leadership.

With over 15 years' experience in the arts sector and six years leading companies in online marketing and advertising, Megan brings a blend of creativity and commercial insight to her practice. She partners with organisations across the public and private sectors to deliver leadership and development programmes, including emotional intelligence, confidence and communication programmes across Ireland.

Qualifications: BA Psychology (University College Dublin); ICF ACC accredited Leadership and Executive Coach; EMCC Global EIA Practitioner; Accredited Strengthscope Practitioner; QQI Level 6 Component Certificate in Conflict Management (2026); Thomas International DISC Accredited Practitioner; Thomas International EIQ Accredited Practitioner