Navigating Emotionally Charged Conversations at Work

Course details

Workplace conversations can bring up all kinds of emotions and unspoken dynamics between colleagues. This course is designed to help you master the psychological side of communication, so you can stay centered, present, and collaborative—even when tensions run high at work. Join clinical psychologist Dr. Emily Anhalt as she shows how to regulate your emotions, listen with empathy, and create psychological safety in your everyday professional conversations. Along the way, discover what to do when things get heated, how to repair and rebuild trust afterward, and how to turn conflict into deeper, lasting connection. Upon completing this course, you’ll be prepared to identify and address the emotional triggers and psychological dynamics that make workplace conversations feel high stakes.

Learning objectives
Demonstrate strategies for regulating emotions, listening with empathy, and communicating with psychological safety in mind.
Apply tools for deescalating heated moments and keeping conversations constructive.
Evaluate and reflect on conversations to repair trust, strengthen relationships, and build long-term emotional fitness at work.

Concepts

Introduction

Your guide to emotionally charged conversations

Why Are These Conversations Important

What causes emotionally charged conversations
Psychological safety for better communication

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Check your assumptions and clarify intentions
Gather empathy and request opt-in
What to do when a conversation catches you off guard

Core Emotional Intelligence Skills

Ask questions to reduce defensiveness and invite openness
Take responsibility and share your perspective

Follow-Up and Repair

Close with clarity and next steps
The importance of repair for building trust and strengthening relationships

The Takeaway Tool Kit

Conclusion

From learning to action - Strengthening workplace relationships