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Difficult Conversations

Conducting performance conversations. Lead the kōrero. Don't avoid it.

Performance conversations are one of the most important responsibilities of leadership — and often one of the most challenging. Whether you're addressing performance concerns, providing constructive feedback, or supporting professional growth, the ability to lead difficult conversations with confidence can strengthen relationships, build accountability and create positive outcomes for everyone involved.

Conducting Performance Conversations is a practical Micro-PLD course that gives school leaders the structure, language, and tools needed to navigate challenging discussions professionally and effectively.

Designed for busy educators, this self-paced course focuses on real-world situations, practical frameworks, and strategies you can apply immediately.

60 Minutes | Self-Paced Online | Unlimited Access

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Trusted by 3000+ Educators

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Practical & Time Efficient

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Certificate of Completion Included

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Built by Experienced NZ Educators

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What you’ll learn

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How to structure performance conversations that remain focused and productive.

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Use proven frameworks such as the GROW Model and Open-to-Learning Conversations.

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Deliver clear messages while maintaining respect and professionalism.

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Ask effective questions that encourage ownership and accountability.

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Respond constructively when conversations become emotional or challenging.

What’s included?

Everything you need to prepare for, lead and follow up on challenging performance conversations. Gain practical frameworks, real-world education examples and ready-to-use tools you can apply immediately in your school. With unlimited access, you can revisit the course whenever a difficult conversation arises.

  • A clear process to help you prepare, structure, and confidently lead difficult conversations.

  • Simple, proven frameworks you can use to stay focused, fair, and effective in the moment.

  • Authentic school-based scenarios to help you see how conversations play out in practice.

  • Ready-to-use resources to help you plan, document, and follow through with clarity.

  • Flexible learning you can engage with on the go, whenever it suits your schedule.

  • Structured prompts to help you build confidence and continually improve your approach.

One Membership.
Unlimited Learning.

Access all the leadership, compliance and classroom courses with one membership.

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Who is this course for?

Stop avoiding the conversations that matter. Gain the confidence, structure, and language needed to conduct performance conversations professionally, respectfully and effectively.

This course is ideal for:

  • Principals, deputy principals, and assistant principals

  • Team leaders and middle leaders

  • Educators responsible for coaching, mentoring, or managing others

  • Leaders who want greater confidence handling performance concerns

  • Anyone who has delayed a difficult conversation because they weren't sure how to approach it

Whether you're new to leadership or an experienced school leader, this course provides practical tools that can be used immediately. Enrol today and develop one of the most valuable leadership skills you'll ever use.

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What educators are saying

“The health & safety PLD was really valuable and I feel more prepared.”

— Principal

“The courses were short, relevant, and grounded in real leadership challenges.”

— Principal

“It helped me reflect intentionally on my leadership without stepping away from my school for days.”

— Principal

Ready to strengthen your leadership?

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