Ending a difficult conversation - Deepstash
Making Remote Work, Work

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How to create a productive workspace at home

How to balance work and personal life while working remotely

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Making Remote Work, Work

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Ending a difficult conversation

When the conversation comes to an end, ensure both parties know how things will change going forward.

It's always good to ask the other party to tell you their understanding of what just happened. It may be that they didn't get what you were trying to say. At that point, you can be specific and say exactly what they need to do.

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Weigh the pros and cons of video

With remote working arrangements, a video conference may not always be the best choice. If you need to let someone go, a phone conversation can ease the psychological load.

When you want to work with someone to get to a resolution, a video conversation may be better as there is less room fo...

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Starting the conversation

The sandwich approach to delivering bad news may be unproductive. Instead, lead with your perspective.

For example, an employee who is micromanaged might say to their boss, " I have given it a lot of thought, and feel like I need to say that the way I'm being managed is...

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Book time on the calendar

It's best not to have an impromptu conversation. Instead, schedule the call in advance.

For example, you could ask to have a conversation and set a date and time on your calendar. Ensure that you both have privacy despite fake Zoom backgrounds.

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Be clear on your objective

You need to understand why you need to have the conversation. Decide if you should have the conversation in person or not.

For example, if you have a conversation with an underperforming employee, you may either want them to improve their performance or go through the s...

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Organise your thoughts

Create an outline and key talking points, including the desired outcome of the conversation, key messages or examples to share.

Take advantage of an online conversation by keeping your notes in front of you or on a second screen.

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Taking the time to address difficult issues

Taking the time to address difficult issues

Difficult conversations at work are inevitable, whether you're a leader addressing a team member's performance or an employee unhappy about a situation with your boss. Remote working adds another layer of difficulty.

Many people would rather leave than talk to their boss. However, i...

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CURATED FROM

IDEAS CURATED BY

felixg

Know your boundaries, let other people also know them.

Related collections

Other curated ideas on this topic:

Closing A Difficult Conversation

  • As the conversation comes to a close take the time to reflect back on what you've discussed, the next steps to be taken, and if there's anything left each party wants to say to the other.
  • Remember to ask the most important thing before closing the conversation and that is "Wha...

Preparing For A Difficult Conversation

  • Before you talk to your partner or anyone you have to address an issue with, ask yourself whether you're ready to have the conversation.
  • Think about the things you need to say without being consumed by negative emotions. Are you willing to say what...

Ending A Conversation

Not having a definitive goodbye is absolutely fine, so there is no reason to specifically ask to end the chat.

If the other person is not very well known to you, then the conversation can be formally ended with:

  • β€˜Thank you’
  • β€˜Let’s stay in touch’
  • ...

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