New e-learning module to help leaders prep for difficult conversations

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of leadership, and navigating them successfully is crucial for maintaining strong, respectful and inclusive teams.   Before we send firefighters into a burning building, we ensure they understand fire behaviour and firefighting techniques.

Similarly, before we expect leaders to successfully navigate a difficult conversation, we need to give them a solid understanding of behaviour and communication, and how miscommunication can impact a conversation. 

“Our Mastering Difficult Conversations training does just that,” says Michel Fivet, Senior Advisor Leadership Development. 

“It covers the key aspects of behaviour, communication and conflict resolution. We want to give leaders the skills to manage difficult conversations well, and to help them identify, address and stop inappropriate behaviour in its tracks. By doing these things well, leaders will be helping to create an environment that’s supportive, respectful and inclusive, with good team dynamics.” 

Mastering Difficult Conversations is now available as an e-module on Learning Station(external link), or search “Mastering Difficult Conversations”.

The module is optional, but recommended for operational team leaders, including career SOs and SSOs, Volunteer brigade leaders, and non-operational Tier 4 leaders (Leads Teams level leaders).  

It complements the Mastering Difficult Conversations learning delivered via dedicated face-to-face workshops and as part of Lead Teams, Lead Leaders and the Volunteer Executive Officer course. It is an ideal refresher for those who have attended one of these courses.

If you’re not yet a leader and looking to support your development ahead of a move into a leadership role, you are welcome to complete this e-module.  
Please allow around 20 minutes as a refresher, or 35 minutes if the content is new to you, to complete this module.

More information: Mastering Difficult Conversations | The Portal

This training is being delivered jointly by the Eke Taumata Programme, Learning Development and Leadership Development teams, in response to Recommendation 19 in the 2022 Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission Review which said: “As a priority FENZ should ensure that people leaders and managers receive comprehensive training on how to deal with inappropriate behaviours, facilitating difficult conversations, and leading effective teams”.