016- How to Have Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

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Many times, business people avoid having important conversations because they involve difficult topics or people.  Avoiding these stressful interactions only compounds the situation to be resolved.  ​Once a business owner or leader understands how to approach a potentially difficult topic with an employee, peer, colleague, client or boss, their ability to influence situations and gain respect goes way up.

2:00   Discussion points: (8:00 mins)

1. What causes people to avoid having difficult conversations?
2. What things typically cause difficult conversations to go badly?
3. What approaches or techniques can be used to guide a productive conversation?

 
10:00 Tips for improving in this area or overcoming this problem: (7:00 mins)

1. Be clear about what you want as an outcome to the discussion.
2. Approach the other person in a non emotional, non accusatory manner.
3. Focus on the problem or behavior, not the individual themselves.
4. Ask questions to guide discussion and secure the right outcome.

 
17:00 Final Take-aways: (2:00 mins) Recap primary listen benefit            When you know what you want from the discussion and you plan on how to have the conversation, you will be in better position to have a productive, even tempered interaction that leads to a solution that others will respect and own.
 
19:00 Closing comments: (show promotion, next episode, events, etc.)
Ask listeners to comment on our show topics, provide their own perspectives and share our episodes with others who could benefit.
 
20:00 Show ends
 
Resource Information:
https://www.judyringer.com/resources/articles/we-have-to-talk-a-stepbystep-checklist-for-difficult-conversations.php
 
https://hiring.workopolis.com/article/9-tips-for-having-difficult-conversations-with-your-employees/