What difficult conversations have you encountered at work?

Question

I came across this article and it made me realize that we are faced with sooo many difficult/uncomfortable/awkward conversations at work and we sometimes don't handle them in the best way. This post has some awesome tips: https://havenlife.com/blog/difficult-conversations-at-work/

Paula R. Joseph · Answer

Kelsey S, great article, thanks for posting.

As a team manager, difficult conversations are the norm, not the exception. Even when teams are high performing and hitting all their targets there could be controversies spurned by corporate decisions, team conflict or even world news that prompts a manager to get involved in some type of issue. My company had every manager attend a 'having difficult conversations' class every year to make the process more consistent and less awkward.

The article hits some really good points, especially #3 Be confident and direct; #4 Be open to the other person’s perspective: and #5 Be empathetic. Displaying your human side, really listening to the other person and then reaching out to acknowledge their side is soooo important to all parties involved.

Thanks again for sharing.

Gillianne Hetrick · Answer

As funny as it sounds, some of the hardest conversations when I was in HR were about dress or hygiene.  I always focused on getting the point across kindly and efficiently.

Robyn - I agree that a conversation around how someone is perceived would be challenging.  Although that employee is most likely better for being told the truth.

Robyn Wick · Answer

I've had to mediate team discussions around a member with addiction issues. It was really tough but we found a solution that kept everyone moving forward and salvaged the relationships. I've had to give tough feedback to a young employee who was unaware of how others perceived her. What I've found is that if everyone has a voice and you approach from a place of compassion (and facts) tough conversations go better.

Nakia Whittaker-Woody · Answer

I personally deal with a mental health disorder and self disclose. I find that it helps my co-workers to work better with me by knowing what's going on with me. I have gotten lots of praise for being so open.

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