“Navigating Hard Conversations” Offers Practical Tools to Strengthen Communication and Retention in Wisconsin Workplaces
In today’s tight labor market, many Wisconsin businesses can’t afford to lose valuable employees due to unresolved workplace tension. A new workshop aims to help local professionals build the communication skills needed to address conflict early—before it impacts morale, productivity, or retention.
Hosted by leadership expert and longtime HR executive Paula Rauenbuehler, “Navigating Hard Conversations” offers business owners, team leaders, and professionals at all levels a practical, hands-on learning experience.
“Across rural and mid-sized markets, people stay silent because they fear making a situation worse,” says Rauenbuehler. “But avoiding hard conversations comes at a real cost—especially to smaller teams.”
One recent client discovered that employees were spending 1–5 weeks in a state of workplace stress or avoidance due to conflict—a drain of more than $5,000 per employee per year in lost productivity. For small businesses and lean teams, that kind of inefficiency can be devastating.
This interactive, skill-building workshop provides proven tools participants can use immediately, including:
- How to give clear, respectful feedback—even when tensions are high
- Phrases that work in tough moments
- Practice real world scenarios involving defensive coworkers, overextended staff, and misaligned expectations
- A better understanding of personal communication patterns
Two delivery options are available:
*In-person: September 30, 2025, at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, Fond du Lac
*Virtual: Spread over four Mondays starting September 15, 2025 via Zoom for those unable to attend the session in person
Space is limited to 20 participants per session to ensure personalized attention and practice time. Registration is $197 per person—a fraction of the cost businesses already lose to communication breakdowns.
“These skills aren’t just for HR professionals,” Rauenbuehler adds. “They’re for anyone leading people, running a business, or trying to retain good employees in a competitive market.”
Registration Information
Reserve your spot at: https://bit.ly/4lCvuck