From Stress to Strength, Chaos to Calm and Messy to Magic
Dealing With Difficult People: Keep Calm & Carry On
Struggling to stay calm, confident, and effective when conversations become tense? This practical masterclass equips you with simple, in-the-moment tools to respond with clarity, reframe conflict, and transform challenging interactions into productive outcomes.
Date: July 14, 2026
Time: 10 AM - 11:30 AM ACST
In this practical 90-minute masterclass , you’ll learn:
● Recognise their default reaction patterns when under pressure
● Use practical language tools to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally
● Reframe unclear or emotionally charged conversations
● Ask for clarification confidently without escalating tension
● Identify different communication styles and understand where clashes occur
● Understand the difference between courage and confidence in difficult conversations
● Apply structured strategies for managing conflict effectively over the long term
This masterclass is ideal for leaders and professionals who want to become more confident and capable when navigating conflict, tension, and difficult conversations in the workplace.It’s especially suited to those who want to:
● Maintain composure and think clearly under pressure
● Respond more effectively to defensiveness, disagreement, or emotional reactions
● Use conflict to strengthen trust, accountability, and working relationships
● Communicate with clarity and confidence in challenging situations
You'll walk away with:
- A practical mental checklist for handling tense moments
- Ready-to-use scripts and phrases for challenging conversations
- A framework for understanding and decoding difficult behaviours
- Greater confidence in managing tension without avoidance or escalation
- A long-term roadmap for effective conflict management, beyond simply putting out fires
Speaker
Barbara Clifford - The Time Tamer
Barbara Clifford is a co-founder of The Hinwood Institute. She is the lead trainer and coach in
Time Management and a recognized leader in Stress Management. She is a highly experienced coach, international speaker, columnist, facilitator and accredited mediator. Barbara equips busy business leaders to make courageous decisions in pressure situations for the long-term benefit of their business, team and personal wellbeing. Giving them a sense of order; taking them from chaos to calm and transforming their stress into a source of strength. She lives in the desert of Alice Springs, Australia working with people around the world.
"Barbara is a great trainer. Highly engaging for something could be quite dry. I’m motivated to change the way I work."
- Nick Rickard
Central Land Council
"I learned lots of useful information that I will apply daily to help manage my time better."
- Amanda Brooks
Central Land Council
"It made sense and should be put into practice ASAP."
- Dana Bohnig
Central Land Council
Who This Is Ideal For:
● Leaders and emerging leaders looking to strengthen their communication skills.
● Team members navigating challenging colleagues, stakeholders, or workplace dynamics.
● Professionals managing difficult personalities, including micromanagers or high-conflict individuals.
● Anyone who has completed “Dealing with Difficult People” and wants practical next-step strategies
● Professionals working in high-pressure or emotionally charged environments
We've got answers
Is this different from the other "Dealing with Difficult People" Masterclass?
Yes. This is the next step. While the earlier session focuses on understanding difficult behaviours and types, this masterclass is all about what to say and do in the moment, with practical language and strategies you can use immediately.
Will this help me deal with specific difficult people at work?
Yes. While we won’t focus on individuals, you’ll learn how to decode behaviour, reframe communication, and respond effectively regardless of personality or style.
I avoid difficult conversations — will this help?
Yes. You’ll explore the difference between courage and confidence, and build the skills to step into conversations even when they feel uncomfortable.
Will we cover how to handle emotionally charged or aggressive communication?
Yes. You’ll learn how to translate and reframe heightened emotions, so you can keep conversations productive instead of reactive or escalating.
Does this cover formal conflict processes (like HR or grievances)?
Yes, at a high level. We’ll touch on long-term strategies including mediation, conflict coaching, documentation, and when to escalate appropriately.
