How to Hold Difficult Conversations: Building Confidence Through Character at Christ Hospital
Difficult conversations are unavoidable. Whether they happen between coworkers, managers and employees, educators and students, or school staff and parents, the way we approach challenging conversations can determine whether they create greater conflict—or lead to understanding and a successful solution.
The Character Council’s How to Hold Difficult Conversations seminar helps individuals and teams develop the confidence and practical skills needed to navigate these moments with courage, tact, and character.
Character in Action at The Christ Hospital
On July 28, the Character Council facilitated a two-hour How to Handle Difficult Conversations session at The Christ Hospital Health Network’s Manager Skills Summit in Cincinnati. More than 140 managers participated in the day-long event, with Jill Tomey and Gayle Brock leading the Character Council session.
The training focused on building confidence and competency in difficult conversations through practical communication tools, emotional regulation techniques, active listening strategies, and structured conversation planning. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Participants reported greater readiness, capability, and confidence in navigating difficult conversations, while identifying practical tools they could immediately apply in their day-to-day interactions.
“The feedback we received, both quantitative and qualitative, was overwhelmingly positive and reinforced the value and impact of this important topic.”
Bring the Seminar to Your Organization
How to Hold Difficult Conversations is available as either a one-hour overview or a two-hour workshop and can be brought directly to your organization, school, or team.
Participants learn practical approaches for:
Using common-sense communication skills grounded in character
Calming emotions and reducing tension
Understanding why difficult conversations should not be unnecessarily delayed or avoided
Preparing for a challenging conversation
Working toward successful solutions with confidence
Practicing self-care before and after difficult conversations
For educators, the seminar can also address difficult conversations involving fellow employees, students, and parents. Teachers, administrators, board of education members, and staff can all benefit from developing a consistent approach for navigating conflict with courage and tact.
These skills extend far beyond a single conversation. They can help strengthen relationships, improve communication, build healthier workplace and school cultures, and give people greater confidence when challenges arise.
Schedule a Difficult Conversations Seminar
Give your team practical tools to approach difficult conversations with greater preparation, confidence, and character.
The Character Council offers the program as a flexible one-hour presentation or a more in-depth two-hour workshop. Schedule a session for your business, school, organization, or leadership team.
