What do you do if a challenging employee is causing stress during feedback sessions?

1 Prepare yourself

Before you deliver or receive feedback, take some time to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. Identify the purpose and the goal of the feedback, and frame it as an opportunity for learning and improvement, not as a personal attack or criticism. Anticipate how the employee might react, and plan how you will respond calmly and constructively. You can also practice some stress management techniques, such as deep breathing, positive affirmations, or visualization, to reduce your anxiety and boost your confidence.

2 Choose the right time and place

Timing and setting are important factors for a successful feedback session. Avoid giving or asking for feedback when you or the employee are under pressure, distracted, or emotionally upset. Instead, schedule a meeting in advance, and choose a private and comfortable place where you can have an uninterrupted and respectful conversation. Make sure you have enough time to cover the main points, listen to the employee's perspective, and agree on the next steps.

4 Manage your emotions

Even if you prepare and communicate well, you might still face some resistance or negativity from the employee. In such cases, it is important to manage your emotions and not let them escalate the conflict or affect your professionalism. Recognize your own triggers and signs of stress, and take a break or pause if you feel overwhelmed or angry. Try to understand the employee's point of view, and acknowledge their emotions without taking them personally. Express your own emotions in a respectful and assertive way, and focus on finding a solution rather than blaming or arguing.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?