Difficult Conversations…that don’t have to be

If you could improve one thing about the way your Lab communicates, what would it be?

If you’re anything like most of the scientists I talk to, the answer is “difficult conversations”. 

It’s the number one response among my clients, and it causes unnecessary stress and delays in the Lab.

I want to help you do something about it.

That’s why I’ve built a program tailored specifically for Postdocs and other senior Lab members.

Difficult Conversations…that Don’t Have to Be is a half-day program designed to help you build your mindset and skills and give you the confidence to have those really tough conversations at the right time.

Meet Mel. Coach. Facilitator. Creator

Mel Rosenthal has developed a specialist practice, working with Researchers, Academics, Clinicians and Professional Staff from some of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions, including WEHI, the University of Melbourne, the Peter Doherty Institute and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

She understands the unique challenges of leading in the scientific context, including the scarcity of funding, pressure to publish in the highest quality journals, the need to negotiate authorship hierarchy and ongoing concerns about job security.

Mel Rosenthal is a Professional Certified Coach accredited by the International Coaching Federation, with over 4,000 hours of coaching experience.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) from the University of Western Australia, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Learning Objectives

1. Establish the Fundamentals of Difficult Conversations

  • Recognise the importance of effective communication in challenging situations common to medical research environments.

  • Identify the key factors that make conversations difficult, such as conflicting interests, power dynamics, or sensitive topics (e.g., research results, authorship, peer critique).

2. Identify the Productive Mindset

  • Recognise the range of mindsets we typically bring to difficult conversations.

  • Identify the most helpful and productive mindset to guide the resolution.

3. Develop Active Listening and Empathy Skills

  • Practice active listening techniques to better understand different perspectives during challenging conversations.

  • Demonstrate empathy in interactions with colleagues, research participants, and collaborators to foster a respectful dialogue.

4. Learn a Structured Approach to Navigating Difficult Conversations

  • Apply a proven framework to manage conversations with clarity and confidence.

  • Distinguish between facts, emotions, and perceptions to address issues without escalating tension.

5. Manage Emotions and Stress During Difficult Conversations

  • Identify unhelpful responses that emerge during difficult conversations.

  • Learn techniques to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism under pressure.

6. Apply Case Studies and Role-Playing in Research Contexts

  • Engage in role-playing scenarios and case studies relevant to medical research to practice difficult conversation skills in real-world settings.