Resilience at Work – Managing Stress and Navigating Tough Conversations

Course Modules

Day 1: Building Personal Resilience and Managing Stress

Module 1: Understanding Resilience in the Workplace

Description:
This module introduces resilience as a skill that can be developed and strengthened. Participants will explore the key components of resilience, the benefits of resilience in the workplace, and its role in managing stress and maintaining well-being.

Learning Objectives:

• Define resilience and its importance in the workplace
• Identify the core elements of resilience
• Understand how resilience contributes to stress management and well-being

Module 2: Identifying Sources of Stress

Description:
Participants will learn to identify common sources of stress in their work environments and recognize the physical, mental, and emotional effects of stress. This module will also cover how unchecked stress impacts performance and decision-making.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize sources of workplace stress
• Understand the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of stress
• Assess how stress influences communication and decision-making

Module 3: Stress Management Techniques for Resilience

Description:
In this module, participants will explore practical stress management techniques, including mindfulness, breathing exercises, time management, and physical activity. They will learn how to create personalized strategies for managing stress in high-pressure situations.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn and practice mindfulness and breathing techniques for immediate stress relief
• Explore time management strategies to reduce stress
• Develop a personalized stress management plan

Module 4: Building Emotional Resilience

Description:
This module focuses on emotional resilience, including recognizing and managing emotions effectively. Participants will gain tools to process emotions constructively, maintain emotional control, and avoid reactive responses under pressure.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize and manage emotions constructively
• Learn techniques to maintain emotional control during stressful situations
• Practice building emotional resilience through self-awareness

Day 2: Navigating Tough Conversations with Confidence

Module 5: Preparing for Tough Conversations

Description:
Participants will learn how to prepare mentally and emotionally for tough conversations. This module covers setting intentions, understanding the purpose of the conversation, and planning how to approach challenging topics with clarity and respect.

Learning Objectives:

• Set clear intentions and goals for tough conversations
• Understand the importance of purpose-driven communication
• Prepare mentally and emotionally to approach difficult topics

Module 6: Effective Communication Techniques for Tough Conversations

Description:
This module teaches assertive communication techniques, such as active listening, empathetic responses, and I-statements, which help participants convey their messages clearly and confidently. Role-playing exercises will help participants practice these skills.

Learning Objectives:

• Apply assertive communication techniques to handle tough conversations
• Use active listening and empathetic responses to foster understanding
• Practice using “I” statements to express thoughts and feelings respectfully

Module 7: Managing Emotions and Staying Calm in Difficult Conversations

Description:
Participants will learn strategies to stay calm and grounded when conversations become tense. Techniques such as grounding exercises, taking a pause, and de-escalation will be covered to help participants maintain composure and stay focused on the conversation’s objectives.

Learning Objectives:

• Use grounding techniques to stay calm in high-stress conversations
• Apply strategies to manage emotional triggers effectively
• Practice de-escalation methods to keep conversations constructive

Module 8: Practicing Tough Conversations – Role-Playing Workshop

Description:
In this hands-on workshop, participants will apply what they have learned by role-playing challenging conversations. Each participant will have the opportunity to practice navigating a tough conversation, receiving feedback on their approach, communication style, and emotional control.

Learning Objectives:

• Practice navigating tough conversations in a supportive environment
• Receive feedback to improve confidence and communication skills
• Build resilience by applying stress management and communication techniques

Module 9: Developing a Resilience Action Plan

Description:
In the final module, participants will create a personal action plan to apply resilience and stress management techniques at work. This action plan will include goals for managing stress, preparing for tough conversations, and maintaining well-being in the workplace.

Learning Objectives:

• Develop a personalized resilience action plan
• Set actionable goals for stress management and effective communication
• Commit to practices that support long-term resilience and well-being