The best way to handle thwarting ploys, such as stonewalling, sarcasm and accusing is to address the ploy openly and sincerely. Disarm the ploy by labeling the observed behavior.

9. Watch Your Reaction To Thwarting Ploys.

Think of the conversation and determine your goals, desired outcomes, non-negotiables and options, and then plan how you will close the conversation. Don't end without clearly expressed action items. Ensure you know what the other is agreeing to do, the support you committed to provide, expected issues and solutions to them. Also, schedule a follow up to evaluate progress and definitively reach closure on the issue at hand.

2. Know Your Objective.

Reflect on your attitude toward the situation and the person involved, as it will predetermine your reaction and interpretations. It pays to approach such a conversation with the right mindset, one of inquiry. Be open to hear others first before reaching closure in your mind. Even if the evidence is so clear that there is no reason to beat around the bush. A good leader remains open and seeks a greater truth in any situation.

3. Adopt a Mindset Of Inquiry.

<h2>Don't rush to fill the occasional silences with words. Pauses in the conversation allows us to hear what was said and lets the message sink in. A pause also has a calming effect and can help us connect better. Talking too much or thinking while you're speaking can be perceived as steamrolling or overbearing.</h2>

5. Be Comfortable With Silence.

Conflict is a natural part of human interaction. Managing conflict effectively is a vital leadership skill.&nbsp; Have a few, proven phrases to use in crucial spots.

8. Develop Your Conflict Resolution Skills.

Ensure that your objective is fair and that you are using a consistent approach. Nothing erodes a relationship faster than perceived inequality.Distant leaders are more trustworthy because people don't have to second-guess their stand on issues such as culture, corporate values and acceptable behaviors.

7. Be Consistent.

Leaders with high emotional intelligence are mindful to limit collateral damage to relationships. Bridges between people are hard to build but easy to break. Think about how the conversation can fix the situation, without erecting an irreparable wall between you and the person.

6. Preserve The Relationship.

<h2>Calling people into your office shifts the balance of power too much on your side. Simple body language, such as leaning forward toward the person rather than back on your chair, can signal positive intentions. Consider holding the meeting in a neutral place such as a meeting room where you can sit adjacent to each other without the desk as a barrier.</h2>

10. Choose The Right Place To Have The Conversation.

The best way to start is with a direct approach. Tell them you would like to talk&nbsp; and the subject.Being upfront is the authentic and respectful approach. Ensure your voice tone signals discussion and not inquisition, exploration and not punishment.

11. Know How To Begin.

Pick up two or three good books on the topic for your corporate library and encourage leaders in your organization to develop this important skill.

12. Train Other Leaders On How To Handle The Difficult Conversation.

Ask yourself what are the causes and effects of the problematic behavior. You need clarity to articulate the issue in two or three succinct statements. Lacking clarity, you risk going off on a tangents and derail the conversation, sabotaging your intentions.

1. Be Clear About The Issue.

A leader has to understand and manage the emotions in a discussion striving to respect and preserve people’s dignity. This is important to avoid escalation of negative emotions.In some cases, you may have to respond to a person's tears. Some strategies for that include acknowledging the tears, offering the person a tissue to provide an opportunity to gather their thoughts, and recognizing that the tears communicate a problem to be addressed.

4. Manage The Emotions.

We all have an inner voice that tells us when we need to have a difficult conversation with someone-a conversation that, if it took place, would improve life at the office for ourselves and for everyone else on our team. But fear drowns that inner voice-and we put the conversation off.

1. Be Clear About The Issue.

Similar ideas to 1. Be Clear About The Issue.

Preparing For A Difficult Conversation

1. Read Between the Lines