5 Keys for Navigating Difficult Conversations at Work

Welcome to Leading Engineers - a weekly newsletter specifically for engineering leaders who want to increase your impact at every level of the organization.? Each week you’ll gain powerful strategies, techniques, and insights for driving your team, company, and career forward!

This week's topic:

Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Workplace - as a Manager

Do you avoid difficult conversation with a direct report, or your boss??

As a leader, you need to embrace the discomfort that comes with addressing conflicts, providing constructive feedback, and discussing sensitive topics.?

These skills are essential for fostering a positive work environment - as well as for your own professional growth.

And here’s 5 powerful tips you can put into action right away - for making difficult conversations go smoother with direct reports, cross-functional teams, or your superiors, and anyone!

1?? Prepare in Advance

Preparation is key, because winging it almost guarantees a negative outcome.?

In the heat of the moment, it's easy to let emotions influence your message - especially when providing constructive feedback.?

You might feel frustrated by someone's actions, leading you to pile on unnecessary criticism -which dilutes your main message.?

Avoid this by setting a clear goal for the conversation with a simple plan of attack.?

Identify the specific feedback you want to give, focusing on facts rather than speculations or assumptions.?

Put yourself in the other person's shoes by anticipating their reaction and potential objections.?

By incorporating these considerations into your prep, you'll navigate the conversation more effectively.

2?? Choose the Right Time and Place

Timing and environment play a vital role in successful discussions. Avoid emotional escalations by ensuring both of you are in a calm and receptive mindset

Allocate enough time for the conversation - because complex issues and emotional expressions require a significant amount of time.?

Choose a private, comfortable, and distraction-free location that encourages open and honest dialogue.?

If you don't have an office, consider booking a conference room or opt for a more casual setting - like inviting them out to lunch.

3?? Give Them an Out

When providing constructive feedback, engineers often take pride in their work, making it difficult for them not to take it personally.?

To create an open-dialogue atmosphere, give them an out at the beginning of the conversation - by validating their perspective and acknowledging the validity of their thoughts and feelings.?

Start with positive feedback to make negative feedback easier to receive. And if you've made mistakes, admit them upfront.?

This softens the impact of your constructive feedback and increases their receptiveness.

4?? Frame the Situation as a Positive

Approach the conversation with a positive mindset. Instead of focusing on the negatives, emphasize growth opportunities and mutual benefits.?

By framing the discussion in a positive light, you set the stage for a constructive dialogue aimed at finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.?

Start by highlighting areas of improvement and express your willingness to collaborate!

5?? Speak in a Collaborative Tone

To prevent the other person from feeling blamed, maintain a collaborative tone throughout the conversation. Use inclusive language such as "we," "us," and "our" to convey a sense of shared responsibility.?

Rather than proposing solutions outright, invite their input through open-ended questions - encouraging them to share their thoughts, concerns, and suggestions.?

It’s important to create a space for their needs to be heard and addressed.

I hope these tips will help you feel more comfortable and confident in navigating difficult conversations and effectively delivering negative feedback!

- Doug Howard PE

PS - If you’re looking for more help in this area…

Watch the REPLAY from my FREE Mini-Masterclass on Mastering Constructive Feedback!?

This training is perfect for:

- Empowering your engineers to reach their full potential

- Inspiring your team to WANT to elevate their performance

- Getting through to your boss, without hurting their feelings

- Nurturing a culture of growth and continuous improvement

- Increasing your impact at every level of your organization!

Gain access HERE to the FREE Mini-Masterclass on Mastering Constructive Feedback

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