The best way to handle a difficult conversation at work
Parent Post
Tell people what they
Tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear.
Easier said than done.
If you handle it right, it will make you the best leader in a company, and the best friend anyone could have.
Here are a few guidelines to follow when you want to start living as someone who will tell people what they need to hear.
Start with caring personallyYou
Start with caring personally
You need to know someone on a personal level, know their dreams, fears, and struggles, as well as what matters to them in life.
Knowing what drives a person and their goals give you what you need to address them in a way that will strike a chord.
It needs to matter to them. Whatever you’re about to share needs to resonate and align with their personal core values.
Rinse and repeat (pay
Rinse and repeat (pay it forward)
Once you begin the practice of being radically candid, it will become your new way to operate.
The more you follow this practice, the more you build that muscle for yourself, but you may also be inspiring others to do the same so they can also become great, candid, communicators.
It’s really a simple concept, just not always easy.
Tell the truthNone of
Tell the truth
None of the candor stuff works unless you’re telling the truth.
But since the truth can be a bitter pill, we tend to embellish it a little bit, and before you know it, it bears little resemblance to the actual truth.
Don’t zing your words with a poisonous arrow, but make sure they are factual.
Don’t exaggerate to make a point and be kind about it.
Being honest when you’re sharing will be appreciated.
It makes sense to
It makes sense to address things directly and clearly.
It’s helpful and honest.
It’s the right thing to do.
Point out the goodCompliment
Point out the good
Compliment sandwiches don’t really work because everyone knows what’s coming after the first bit of praise. It’s the order of things that sometimes convolutes the messaging.
There is always something good you can point out, even if it’s just the effort or intent.
Find the good and recognize it.
Clarify whyWhat’s the reason
Clarify why
What’s the reason for dropping this truth bomb? Why does it matter to them, but also, why does it matter to you?
If you’re telling a hard truth because you’re giving insight that will help them advance in their career, that’s a great reason for them. But you should also address why it matters to you.
This can help make the conversation more human if you both have something to learn.