TRAINING

Tackling Tough Conversations

with Emma O'Connor & Debbie Harris

 

Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026

Time: 09:30-11:30

Format: Online (Zoom)

Cost: £179 plus VAT per delegate

Register your attendance

Tackling Tough Conversations

Tackling Tough Conversations is a practical, interactive session designed to help managers, HR professionals and senior leads hold challenging or tough conversations in the workplace.

Drawing on real workplace scenarios, the session explores why some conversations are harder than others, how our own "triggers" show up under pressure, and the core skills that enable productive dialogue and better outcomes which you can use in your day-to-day.

 

What the course will cover

This 2 hour session will include:

  • Understanding what makes a conversation tough
  • Legal risk areas
  • preparing for a tough conversation
  • Communication skills
  • Managing emotions
  • Agreeing actions and following up

Why this training matters

Tough conversations are often avoided, yet they sit at the heart of effective leadership and people management. When handled well, they can improve performance, resolve issues quickly and support a healthier, more collaborative culture. Our specialists draw on legal expertise and hands‑on experience to deliver pragmatic guidance that can be applied immediately back in the workplace.

Who should attend

This course is designed for:

  • HR teams
  • Line managers and supervisors
  • Senior leaders
  • Anyone responsible for employee relations or people management

Meet your trainers

Our Head of Client Training, Emma O'Connor is collaborating with Debbie Harris from external Leadership, Team Development and Coaching company, Represent for this training course.
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Emma O'Connor  Partner & Head of Client Training, Doyle Clayton

Emma is an employment law partner and is head of client training, working with clients to deliver tailored training to ensure compliance and best practices.

With over 20 years’ experience in employment law, she advises businesses across a wide range of sectors, including finance, technology, healthcare, leisure, hospitality and professional services. Emma works closely with HR teams, Boards, managers and senior leadership groups in the UK, EU and globally, providing strategic, commercially focused advice that helps organisations navigate complex employment challenges effectively. Her approach is clear, practical and solutions‑driven, shaped by many years of supporting clients through both day‑to‑day issues and high‑stakes situations.

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Debbie Harris        Leadership Coach, Represent

Debbie is a highly qualified and experienced leadership coach, mentor and facilitator. With over 25 years of corporate experience in Senior leadership development, Human Resources Business Partnering and Talent Management roles.

Debbie’s experience is grounded in Retail having worked in a number of Retail, Commercial and HR leadership roles. She has experience of working in the legal sector, professional services, technology and FMCG companies.

Debbie is strongly collaborative and works closely with clients to support them in designing, developing and delivering interventions that are engaging and drive the change the client wants to achieve.

Debbie is an ICF accredited coach and holds a Post Graduate certificate with CIPD in Talent and Career planning. 

Our Training Course Terms & Conditions can be found HERE. Please read these before booking onto the training course.

If you have any questions, please contact our Marketing team at marketing@doyleclayton.co.uk.


 

Doyle Clayton Solicitors Limited, 2025