How to Have a Difficult Conversation

By definition, a conversation is an informal, interactive, and spoken exchange of thoughts, ideas, feelings, or information between two or more people. A true conversation isn’t just one person speaking at another without offering a chance to respond.

Difficult conversations demand thoughtful preparation to ensure they are productive and meaningful. These exchanges often involve serious matters, concerns, or allegations that need to be addressed promptly. It’s crucial that both parties have time to prepare and understand the purpose of the discussion. If the topic is broad or sensitive, consider allowing a break for reflection and response. Ideally, you’ll provide clear information up front to help everyone involved feel informed and ready.

In any employment relationship, acting in good faith is essential. This means not doing anything to mislead or deceive one another and being open and communicative.

𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝗧𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁
✅ Chose the right place to meet, somewhere where you cannot be overheard and parties feel comfortable to speak.
✅ Make sure you thank the person for attending.
✅ Set the scene about the meeting and be clear (no ambushes). For example, “𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘹𝘺𝘻. 𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘹𝘺𝘻 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥. 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘤𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘯𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵”.
✅ Keep on topic and within the scope of the advised topics.
✅ If the matter is about you, use as many “I” statements as possible.
✅ Stick to the facts.
✅ Stay calm.
✅ Clarify any points if asked.
✅ Invite a response.
✅ Listen carefully.
✅ Do not interrupt.
✅ Take notes while actively listening (this means staying engaged so the person knows you are listening but taking any notes for you to understand their response).
✅ Ask clarifying and inquisitive questions.
✅ Don’t rush things.
✅ Ensure you advise what outcome you are seeking (at the right time).
✅ Advise next steps (and ensure you stick to agreed timelines).

If you need our assistance, please get in touch with our team.