How To Manage Difficult Conversations At Work

How to manage difficult conversations at work is a challenge for every manager. No-one enjoys having difficult conversations and are one of the most feared aspects of being a manager.

To be an effective manager, being able to manage the things that don’t go well, the bad attitudes of team members, underperformance issues and all the other negative aspects of managing people is pretty essential - certainly if you want to get a lot done, if you want to keep the team motivated and if you want to get that next promotion.

I share 8 steps of how to have difficult conversations at work without putting yourself or the other person through an emotional rollercoaster, or risk not getting the outcome you need. The help you during the difficult conversation I also share 7 tips on how to control emotions when having difficult conversations.

The first step when thinking about how to have a difficult conversation is not put the off the difficult conversation. Getting started is often the hardest part and the easiest to put off.

Next, put yourself in a positive mindset when planning how to handle the difficult conversation with employees – your confidence and calmness directly impact the other person and the outcome.

Third, be very clear what you want to get out of the difficult conversation. If you can write this down, chances are you can articulate it to the other person.

Fourth, when thinking about how to manage a difficult conversation is to hold the meeting in private. You don’t want others overhearing what is being said. Go into a private meeting room.

Fifth, provide evidence or examples. Talking about examples is easier and more powerful that providing your opinion to the other person. A conversation about examples is also a lot easier to take.

Plan out your difficult conversation but don’t script it. Write down the bullet points you want to cover and the questions that you plan to ask the other person.

Spend more time actively listening during the difficult conversation rather than talking. This will help you manage the other person’s emotions.

Finally, manage your own emotions when having a difficult conversation. Remaining professional, calm and confident is so important for both you and the other person.

If you have any questions please leave them in the comments below and I will get back to you.

Good luck.



00:00 Intro
01:52 Don’t put off the conversation
03:09 Put yourself in a positive mindset
03:57 Start with the end in mind
04:58 Hold the meeting in private
05:38 Provide evidence or examples
07:34 Plan but don’t script
08:31 Actively Listen
09:11 Keep Your emotions under control
11:04 In Summary

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