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LinkedIn Learning

Having Difficult Conversations

4.7(9,143)·16K enrolled
All levels 1.1 hours English Completion Certificate

About this course

Marlene Chism explains how to navigate challenging conversations in workplace and personal contexts: addressing performance issues, managing competing priorities, and building stronger relationships through better communication. The course covers identifying underlying differences in work styles and power dynamics, a structured conversation model, and strategies for handling resistance.

The honest take: like Negotiation Foundations, this is a well-established, highly-rated LinkedIn Learning staple (9,143 ratings at 4.7★) — practical and broadly applicable rather than niche.

What you'll learn

Identify underlying differences in work styles and power dynamics that fuel conflict
Apply a structured model to guide difficult conversations toward resolution
Address performance issues and competing priorities directly and constructively
Handle resistance and defensiveness during hard conversations
Determine concrete next steps after a difficult conversation

This course includes

1.1h
On-demand video
Yes
Certificate
Yes
Mobile access
English
Language
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Instructor

MC
Marlene Chism
LinkedIn Learning instructor
learners courses instructor rating

Marlene Chism is a consultant and author specializing in conflict resolution, leadership communication, and workplace clarity.

Requirements

  • None

Who this course is for

  • Managers and employees navigating workplace conflict
  • Anyone wanting a structured approach to hard conversations

About this provider

LL
LinkedIn Learning
Professional skills platform integrated with LinkedIn. 21,000+ expert-led courses.
4.2 trust score
Visit LinkedIn Learning

Frequently asked questions

1 hour 3 minutes.
4.7★ from 9,143 ratings.
It's broadly applicable to both managers and individual contributors navigating workplace conflict.
Yes — a structured model for guiding difficult conversations toward resolution.
Yes — $39.99/mo with a 1-month free trial.
Paid
LinkedIn Learning subscription · $39.99/mo (1-mo free trial)
View on LinkedIn Learning