Difficult Conversations

About this course

Difficult Conversations is a self-paced online course from Kerr University with 8 modules, 48 lessons and 40 quiz questions. Say the hard thing and keep the relationship. Master Harvard's 3-Conversation framework — What Happened, Feelings, and Identity — with ready scripts for feedback, underperformance, conflict, and more. Eight short modules, quizzes, and a Certificate of Completion. Difficult Conversations is $97 one-time, or included free with an active Kerr University subscription. Your Certificate of Completion is included.

Who it’s for

• Managers who need to give hard feedback or address underperformance
• Team leads and professionals who tend to avoid conflict
• Anyone who wants to say the hard thing and keep the relationship

What you’ll learn

1. Module 1: Why Hard Conversations Are Hard. Difficult conversations feel risky because they touch facts, feelings, and identity all at once. Understanding why makes them manageable.
   6 lessons: We avoid them; They're about more than facts; Both people feel at risk; Handled well, they build trust; The goal is understanding; Skill beats courage alone. 5-question quiz.
2. Module 2: The Three Conversations. Every difficult conversation is really three at once. Naming them gives you a map.
   6 lessons: 1) The 'What Happened' conversation; 2) The Feelings conversation; 3) The Identity conversation; Shift from message to learning; Abandon blame for contribution; Hold both stories. 5-question quiz.
3. Module 3: The 'What Happened' Conversation. Move past the trap of who's right by exploring both stories with curiosity.
   6 lessons: Drop the assumption you're right; Get curious about their story; Separate intent from impact; Own your contribution; Ask, then share; Use 'I' statements. 5-question quiz.
4. Module 4: The Feelings Conversation. Emotions drive hard conversations. Ignoring them keeps you stuck; naming them frees you.
   6 lessons: Feelings are always present; Address feelings, don't dump them; Acknowledge their feelings; Feelings aren't right or wrong; Get under the first feeling; Unspoken feelings block progress. 5-question quiz.
5. Module 5: The Identity Conversation. Hard talks shake our self-image. Steadying your identity keeps you grounded.
   6 lessons: Notice the identity threat; Complexify your self-image; Don't defend, get grounded; Accept you're not perfect; Help them save face too; Regroup if you're shaken. 5-question quiz.
6. Module 6: Preparing & Opening. How you prepare and start a hard conversation shapes everything that follows.
   6 lessons: Clarify your purpose; Choose time and place; Open from the 'third story'; Invite, don't accuse; State your good intent; Ask permission. 5-question quiz.
7. Module 7: Scripts for the Hard Ones. Ready-to-adapt language for the conversations you dread most.
   6 lessons: Giving critical feedback; Addressing underperformance; Saying no to a request; Raising a conflict; Disagreeing with a boss; Apologizing. 5-question quiz.
8. Module 8: Resolving & Rebuilding. End the conversation with a path forward and a stronger relationship.
   6 lessons: Look for a shared solution; Agree on next steps; Reaffirm the relationship; Follow through; Check back in; Learn from it. 5-question quiz.

Format and length

• 8 modules, 48 lessons and 40 quiz questions
• About 20 minutes of reading and quizzes in total, at your own pace
• Self-paced and online, so you can start anytime
• Answers are shown as you go, with unlimited retries; pass each module quiz with 70% or more
• A personalized Kerr University™ Certificate of Completion, signed by Digby R. Kerr, ready to print or save as a PDF

Price

Difficult Conversations is $97 one-time, or included free with an active Kerr University subscription. Your Certificate of Completion is included. Lessons open after you sign in with an active subscription.

Instructor

Digby R. Kerr is the founder of Kerr University, a Wharton-educated executive with about 35 years in business, and the author of 16 published books. Kerr University is based in Brooklyn, New York. Want live help? Book a free 30-minute intro class.