Navigating Challenging Conversations Pathway
Turn Healthy Friction Into a Spark for Innovation and Growth.
When difference of opinion is managed well, it becomes a competitive advantage. We help your people navigate high-stakes conversations with clarity and calm, turning potential gridlock into a driver for breakthrough results.
Our Clients
From Hidden Conflict to High Performance
Too often, critical feedback is softened into vagueness, and high-stakes disagreements are buried to keep the peace. This culture of avoidance doesn’t protect the team, it stagnates it. Resentment builds, innovation stalls, and small misunderstandings balloon into systemic blocks.
This pathway targets that fear directly. We replace anxiety with a proven framework to be clear, candid, and compassionate.
The result is a profound shift: teams stop dodging friction and start using it as a strategic tool to stress-test ideas, solve problems fast, and drive growth.
Mindset Shift
Conflict is dangerous and I must avoid it.
Conflict is a catalyst for clarity and progress.
Behaviour Shift
Watering down feedback or shutting down.
Constructive debate that attacks the problem, not the person.
Skill Shift
Emotional reactivity (Fight, Flight, Freeze).
Emotional Regulation: Staying calm and focused under pressure.
Recommended Workshops in this Training Pathway
Each LSW Pathway can be delivered as a short, high-impact series or expanded for deeper transformation. These core workshops form the foundation of productive friction:
Optional Modules
Deepen Your Practice
The Art of Empathy Deepen your understanding of what truly drives resistance. Learn to listen beneath the words to diffuse tension and uncover the root cause of the disagreement.
Outcomes
- Identify and bypass the cognitive biases that fuel conflict.
- Listen actively to uncover unstated needs and motivations.
- Demonstrate deep understanding to lower defences and build a bridge for resolution.
Clarity & Courage in Meetings Stop meetings from derailing into argument or silence. Develop the facilitation tools to keep high-stakes discussions focused, respectful, and productive.
Outcomes
- Intervene skilfully to redirect unfocused, tense, or circular discussions.
- Set clear ‘rules of engagement’ to allow for heated debate without personal attacks.
- Foster inclusive dialogue where dissenting voices are heard and integrated.
Role-Play Workshops Theory flies out the window when adrenaline kicks in. Practice your specific ‘dreaded conversation’ in a safe environment to build muscle memory.
Outcomes
- Receive direct, expert coaching on your specific real-world scenarios.
- Build the confidence to use new tools under pressure without reverting to old habits.
- Test-drive your opening lines and responses before the stakes are high.
Organisations Using this Pathway Report:
Issues are surfaced and solved in the moment, rather than festering. ‘Meeting after the meeting’ gossip disappears.
Leaders are equipped to nip underperformance in the bud without needing HR intervention.
Teams feel safe to challenge ideas and debate strategy, leading to more robust decision-making.
Top talent stays because they feel respected, heard, and trust that toxic behaviour will be managed effectively.
LSW’s training directly elevated how our managers show up, influence, and lead in global meetings.
Elizabeth Oxford
Global Procurement Manager
Why this Pathway Works (and Sticks!)
Traditional communication training teaches what to say. We transform how your people show up. Our pathways are meticulously designed for deep learning, ensuring new habits and insights become an integral part of everyday communication.
By blending psychology, emotional intelligence, and communication science, participants learn to stay grounded and effective, turning the Serlin Method™ into a sustainable practice.
Flexible Formats for Your Organisation
Choose the depth that fits your strategic goals. Every format includes our Impact Framework, tracking growth in Emotional Regulation, Resolution Speed, and Managerial Confidence.
Taster Ideal for teams that need to solve a specific communication friction point.
- 2 × 90-min high-impact webinars
Essential Ideal for rapidly upskilling a cohort of leaders from theory to practice.
- 2 × half-day workshops
- Group & 1:1 coaching
Core Ideal for ensuring new skills stick through sustained practice.
- 4 × workshops
- Extended coaching
Tailored Ideal for a full and lasting cultural transformation.
- 6 × workshops
- Bespoke design & leadership sessions
Ready to transform friction into momentum?
Don’t let unresolved tension slow your strategy down. Let’s help your people move beyond avoidance and defensiveness, equipping them with the courage to speak up and the frameworks to solve problems fast.
Schedule a free consultation call with our Head of Sales.
Shree Thakker
Head of Sales
Looking for a Deeper Dive?
Our brochure outlines everything you need to know – from programme formats and timelines to real business outcomes we’ve helped deliver. Perfect for sharing with stakeholders or building a business case.
