deepstash
Beta
How To Have Difficult Conversations At Work
Be Direct
During a difficult conversation, be quick and direct. This is not the time for feedback techniques, as they will mask the point of the conversation and lessen its impact making it more difficult.
Often, the person knows that a critique is coming, so rather than dancing around the subject, just get to it. It’s better for both parts.
175 SAVES
This is a professional note extracted from an online article.
Read more efficiently
Save what inspires you
Remember anything
IDEA EXTRACTED FROM:
9
Key Ideas
When having a difficult conversation, be direct and get to the point quickly.
Difficult conversations become even more difficult when the delivery is complicated.
Most of t...
When having a difficult conversation, be direct and get to the point quickly.
Difficult conversations become even more difficult when the delivery is complicated.
Most of the time, the person you're talking to knows that a critique is coming, so rather than dancing around the subject, just get to it.
Be Specific
Be honest and thorough with your feedback, give examples and fully clarify why you're having the conversation.
The more clarity you can provide, the better the critique will be received.
Plan Out The Conversation
This is not a conversation you want to have in the spur of the moment.
Think of what you’re going to say, and prepare for the other person’s reactions. Being prepared you are more likely to stay even-tempered, thus delivering a more solid critique.
Watch Your Language
The words you use during the conversation matter. Outline the critique and the reason you’re having the conversation.
Also, talk about the outcome you’d like to see. Illustrating a positive outcome gives the other an aim to work towards, and helps them understand why they’re being called out.
Offer a Solution
Clearly explain the reason for the conversation, the specific critique, and then offer suggestions to improve.
Even if the conversation is to fire an employee, you should still offer a suggestion that will help them improve in their next job.
Manage Your Emotions
Talk in an even tone and keep it professional. Don’t let your emotions dictate your delivery or the other will too. This is especially important when talking to someone you are closely with.
Try to focus at things solely from a fact based standpoint. When emotions start to take over, remind yourself that the more in control you are of your emotions, the better you'll be able to deliver the message.
Be Empathetic
Be stoic in your delivery but empathize. Think of how others will feel during the conversation, and allow them to process their emotions.
Give them time to collect themselves and explain the reason for the conversation to help them understand. If they're really taking the news poorly, remind them that you’re delivering this critique to make them better, and you want to see them succeed.
Allow Time For Questions
Through questions others can better process what’s happened, and it allows you to clarify and solidify details of the conversation.
If you aren't sure that the other person fully comprehended the conversation, ask clarifying questions to check their understanding.
SIMILAR ARTICLES & IDEAS:
7
Key Ideas
Be direct
When having a difficult conversation, be direct and get to the point quickly.
Difficult conversations become even more difficult when the delivery...
Be specific
The more clarity you can provide, the better the critique will be received during a difficult conversation.
Be honest and thorough with your feedback, and fully clarify why you're having the conversation. Offer as many concrete examples as possible so the person understands you're not just pulling things out of thin air.
Plan out the conversation
The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to stay even tempered and not get flustered, and therefore deliver a more solid critique.
4 more ideas
11
Key Ideas
More Positive Than Negative Feedback
High-performing organizations deliver roughly five times as many positive statements (supportive, appreciative, encouraging) as negative ones (critical, disapproving, contradictory). That’s because...
Focus On The Positive Parts
We tend to focus on giving employees critical feedback. But, by focusing on their weaknesses, we only create competence. By focusing on their strengths, we create excellence.
Give equal measures of positive and negative feedback. We usually gloss over the strengths, but focus in great detail on the critical feedback. Add examples and details to your positive feedback.
Emphasize Collaboration
Be objective when you speak about a negative event. Rather than placing blame or evaluating the problematic situation, describe it and its consequences, and suggest acceptable alternatives.
8 more ideas
6
Key Ideas
Research on communication
Research found that only 7 percent of communication comes from the words you use; the rest of what you communicate comes from your voice and tone (38 percent) and your body language (55 percent).
Connecting with people
Embrace small talk
Small talk might not be that meaningful, but it does have a few benefits: it can make you happier and it can boost the brain’s executive functions responsible for everything from attention and focus to time management to organization.
3 more ideas