This session will help you understand the dynamics and reasons why these conversations are so difficult. It will help you gain experience in the skills and strategies that are necessary to ensure these conversations go well. There will be time to practise skills and strategies with role-plays and coaching.

Changing and adapting your style will take time. But the potential rewards are rich. If you follow the steps outlined in the session and put the learning into practice you will find difficult conversations becoming easier and cause less anxiety. You will be more effective and happier with the results.

The skills you will learn on this course will enable you to say anything to anyone and get a positive result.

Hi, I’m Howard King, the Regional Director for Quarterdeck in Manchester.

If you’re keen to develop and improve yourself to become a better version of you and to invest in your personal development and well-being, then I’d love to work with you.

I’m very grateful to have had a wonderfully varied career with extensive soft skills training over the years and I aim to use my experience to help people bring out the best in themselves and in others. I love seeing people grow and become more empowered through our training, which is often quite simple, we just help make it relevant and bring it to life!

As a director of a software company in the rail industry, I learned the importance of building team spirit and fostering a sense of responsibility, all underpinned by the belief that we can achieve so much more when we work together.

I am a big believer in trust, empowerment and treating people as I’d want to be treated. But of course, this has to be accompanied by people giving their best and performing well with what’s been entrusted to them. The power of a culture where people feel free to express themselves creatively while taking ownership of their deliverables is one of my core principles.

Many of the behaviours that make people successful in sport apply directly to business and leadership. As a keen triathlete, I’ve coached thousands of adults and children in the skills and mental challenges of my sport. I’ve organised several children’s triathlons where hundreds of kids got to compete against each other, learning the fun and challenges of competition and achieving more than they thought they could.

I’ve also represented my country in European and World triathlon championships, which required a great deal of training and sacrifice. This experience helped me develop self-discipline and resilience, qualities that I now enjoy helping others adopt.

I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world in previous roles and combined with having a non-British wife, I have developed a strong understanding of different cultures and how to achieve the best results when communication or understanding may be clouded by cultural barriers.

If you are unable to attend an event or public training course, please let us know in writing (email is fine) at least 48 hours before. Please email [email protected] Otherwise, a cancellation fee of £60 plus VAT will be chargeable. If you are using a package place to attend and do not inform us within the agreed time frame, then a place will be taken to cover your non-attendance. Cancellations must be made in writing, and will be acknowledged by HQN Limited.