Managing in Difficult Times

Course overview

This course addresses specific strategies for weathering challenging times, including how to reduce costs, hold difficult conversations with employees and secure their support, and consider specific alternatives before laying off staff. Course participants learn how best to plan and implement staff reductions, how to deliver the difficult message, and how to leverage opportunities to strengthen the organization during tough times. Learners explore change management techniques to help recognize and manage employee stress, as well as their own stress, during periods of change. In addition, course participants gain an understanding of common reactions to change, and strategies for managing change to enable you to engage, motivate, and support employees. The course instructs participants in basic guidelines for when and where to initiate difficult conversations, and useful steps for managing the associated stress. Learners also acquire knowledge of ways to effectively prepare for a difficult conversation using a four-step process to ensure confidence, as well as constructive and diplomatic communication. Finally, participants gain the ability to demonstrate the right mindset when communicating unwelcome news to an employee.