Difficult Conversations – Dos and Don'ts

Transcript

Presenter: Difficult conversations at work are never easy, but they are necessary.

Perhaps, you've had to talk to someone about poor performance, rudeness, or even bullying. Here are some simple dos and don'ts that can help.

Do choose a suitable place and time. Pick somewhere quiet where you won't be interrupted and allow yourself plenty of time to chat through the issue.

Don't be afraid. Difficult conversations are stressful. Your first instinct might be to bury your head in the sand, but avoiding it will only prolong things. So, nip it in the bud quickly.

Do be clear and upfront. Gather evidence and facts and explain clearly why this conversation needs to happen and what outcome you would like to see.

Don't make assumptions. Poor performance or negative behavior can be a sign that something more is going on. For example, illness, a relationship breakup, or a bereavement. Be respectful and listen to the other person's side of the story in full.

Do clarify next steps. State clearly what will happen next. What does the person need to do to improve things? What happens if they don't change? Do they need more training or should they be put back on probation?

Don't forget about it. Once the news has sunk in, check in with the person to see how they are progressing and continue to monitor things carefully.

Difficult conversations can be tricky, but these handy dos and don'ts can help you to make them as pain-free as possible.