We’ve all been there, we’ve either been on the receiving end of difficult conversations or had to initiate one. Although it isn’t always a comfortable space to be in you can improve the outcome and have a successful discussion.
Here are our five top tips to tackle challenging conversations and improve the experience for all parties involved.
- Make time and create space
This seems obvious, but all too often we can be witness to challenging discussions during meetings or within a group. Whilst this may embolden the instigator of the conversation, for the recipient this could be unnecessarily challenging and encourage toxic workplace scenarios. Whilst addressing issues straight on is important, make the time to set aside your concerns for an appropriate time and place. This enables reflection and is respectful to all involved.
- Set the talking point in advance to allow people to prepare
This is always a good idea. If you allow the other person to understand what conversation they are about to have, it allows them time to prepare a response and engage with you in a meaningful way. Blindsiding someone rarely benefits either party and can lead to feelings of mistrust. Be decisive in your agenda setting and make sure to take responsibility to manage expectations.
- Listen – practice active listening and be comfortable with pauses
When you have something to say, you want to get it out no matter what, but that doesn’t always lead to a healthy conversation. It’s important to remember that there are two parties to any discussion. Remember to listen carefully to the responses and allow the other person time to think and reply. Pausing and silence may feel uncomfortable at first, but it can be a powerful tool in allowing thoughtful responses. Active listening is also important, listen not just to the words, is their body language telling you anything or the tone of their voice? It is fine to ask questions but try and avoid interruptions.
- Be honest, open yet respectful
Although it is always recommended that you prepare for your conversation in advance, it is important to be authentic and not too scripted. This allows for a relaxed flow to your conversation which will help the recipient feel comfortable and build trust. By being transparent and open in your approach, you invite honesty in return which allows both parties to understand where they stand. It isn’t a given that discussions in the workplace are always respectful but being mindful of your impact on others will help improve your conversation skills.
- Keep communication lines open and be clear about the next steps
It can be one thing to bolster the courage to have a difficult chat, but that shouldn’t be the end of things. Communication lines should be kept open, and a follow-up conversation put in place. Being clear in your expectations and offering a path to follow will only help employee wellbeing. It is always OK to ask for clarification if you are unsure of anything that has been discussed.
The huunuu Time to Talk Work Mat, allows employees to understand and practice being part of a difficult but good conversation. It develops skills around the importance of listening and gives pointers and practice on how to tackle big and often challenging subjects. These transferable skills can tackle a range of conversations at work and at home.
To see how huunuu can provide you with the tools and products to engender this positive impact contact: [email protected]
We love to help people find different ways to help themselves and others. Here are three of our favourite organisations that have places and events to encourage, and support difficult conversations. The sessions and events are from London to across the UK and further afield in the USA, check them out.
https://www.thelossproject.com/ and https://www.thelossproject.com/programs-2
