Live Virtual Certificate Course: Five Sessions, Each 2 Hours Long
The basic building block of all communication is the conversation. What, when, how, and why we hold a conversation can have a profound impact on achieving our desired results. 

​But when the stakes are high, emotions run strong, or opinions conflict, we label these conversations as difficult. Whether we face difficult conversations with co-workers, clients, friends or family, invariably the same fear and apprehension comes over us - the fear of failure or making matters worse. 
During this highly interactive ten-hour virtual certificate course, you will explore the construct, traps and pitfalls of difficult conversations, why they may go wrong and how to approach, plan and execute them in a more successful manner using practical tips, tools and real-world examples.  To anchor your new skills, you’ll learn and practice a simple yet powerful four-step technique to aid in having better and more collaborative conversations.  You’ll also discover how to best prepare for a difficult conversation and develop greater questioning skills by examining the root causes of behaviour. 

​You will receive:
  • Ample time to practice new skills
  • Guided feedback from the instructor
  • Time to experiment with different approaches based on your own personal style
  • A digital certificate upon completion of the course
Five sessions, each 2 hours long:
  1. Tuesday, February 3, 2026 | 1:00pm-3:00pm EST
  2. Wednesday, February 4, 2026 | 1:00pm-3:00pm EST
  3. Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 1:00pm-3:00pm EST
  4. Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 1:00pm-3:00pm EST
  5. Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 1:00pm-3:00pm EST
We can adapt this course for your staff and deliver it in your organization.  Connect with us to find out more! 
COURSE CONTENT
Join us and learn: 
  • the structure of conversations and how they can either snare you or release you from "conflict traps".  
  • the secrets of neuroscience and how this knowledge can give us a heads-up on what we should do in the moment to manage conflict proactively. 
  • conflict styles, personalities, and emotions, and how each hinders or helps conversations. 
  • Effective and practical communication tools, including:  
    • making it safe to talk 
    • avoiding communication "blockers" 
    • effective first words to use 
    • framing and asking good questions 
    • when to be empathetic, and when to be assertive 
  • Learn more advanced communication tools, including: 
    • managing unconscious bias 
    • confronting someone and dealing with someone who confronts you 
    • delivering bad news 
    • setting boundaries 
    • saying ‘no’ 
    • managing resistance 
You’ll learn and practice your new skills so you’ll be more prepared and confident for your next difficult conversation. 
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This course is designed for individuals in supervisory, management, or leadership roles. It offers both foundational knowledge and advanced insights into the nature of difficult conversations, their underlying causes, and strategies for effective management. Participants who apply the skills taught in this course are anticipated to cultivate new habits, leading to more favorable outcomes in challenging conversations and situations.
YOUR WORKSHOP FACILITATOR
Sharad Kerur
Q.Med, C.C.Med, CCMC, ACC, CDP, WFI
Sharad Kerur received a Certificate in Mediating Disputes and a Certificate in Difficult Conversations from the Harvard Negotiation Institute (Harvard Law School) and also holds an Advanced Certificate in Dispute Resolution from the University of York located in Toronto.

​Sharad has a Q.Med (Qualified Mediator) designation from the ADR Institute of Canada, a C.C.Med (Chartered Community Mediator) accreditation from the Ontario Community Mediation Coalition, is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation, a CINERGY® Certified Conflict Management Coach and Accredited Trainer, and is a Certified Workplace Fairness Analyst accredited by Workplace Fairness International. 
IMPORTANT REGISTRATION INFORMATION
​Workshop Dates: 
  • Five sessions, each 2 hours long
  • The course will be delivered live, via Zoom.  Registrants will receive a link and program materials prior to the first session.
  • Registration is on a per person basis.  Sharing sign-on links or broadcasting sessions to a group is strictly forbidden.​

Registration Rates: 
If your organization is a member of one of the following community health organizations, you are eligible for a discounted rate of $629 (that’s a 30% discount).  Not sure if you’re a member?  Please visit the sites below to confirm.  
All other organizations: $819
YOUR CERTIFICATE
Upon completion of all modules, you will earn a digital certificate which you can upload directly to your LinkedIn profile. To qualify to receive a certificate of attendance, participants must: 
  • attend at least 80% of the course (four out of the five sessions). Attendance will be tracked throughout the course.  
  • keep their cameras on for the majority of each session, with exceptions for technical issues or pre-approved reasons. 
  • actively participate in discussions, group activities and Q+A sessions.  
Exceptions may be made in the event of an emergency/extenuating situation, provided we receive written notice. ​
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
  • Registrants who need to cancel must do so at least 14 business days before the date of the first session. 
  • Cancellations made at least 14 business days before the first session will receive a 60% refund. Cancellations made less than 14 business days before the first session will not receive a refund. 
  • You may substitute a participant up to one day before the first session, free of charge. 
  • We understand that unexpected circumstances can arise at any time. If you are unable to attend due to an urgent matter, please reach out to us as soon as possible at [email protected] to discuss your options. 
LeaderShift reserves the right to cancel this workshop at any time if the enrollment requirement is not met or due to instructor illness
Have further questions about this course? Contact [email protected]

Participant Testimonials

"Since taking this course I believe I grown as a supervisor. It taught me to be a better empathic listener when interacting with people in all areas of my life"
"The training is full of great information on how to manage difficult conversations and the trainer is incredibly knowledgeable and engaging"
                                                               
"​the information is valuable, it's relatable, and can be used regularly in the work we do"