Difficult Conversations rated as the top challenge
Gill Brabner FCIPD
Our corporate role-players bring the spark that makes learning memorable. Ideal for your leadership programmes, assessment & development centres. Forum theatre workshops (online & F2F) tackling difficult conversations.
In 'Building Better Managers' (2024) published by MindTools, the number 1 challenge for managers, rated by managers, is having difficult conversations.
Conflict Management comes in at second place.
Interestingly most managers (43% of research group) are solving these challenges by enlisting the support of their managers. And that's great if the senior manager can role-model the skills required to manage these issues effectively.
Meanwhile 35% are turning to coaches, 31% to colleagues, with just 13% using google and 10% online platforms.
This indicates that managers are looking for both support and skills development - delivered in a way which is personalised and human.
Underpinning effective conversations at work is a set of skills. And these can be learned. And it's essential learning for managers, as a difficult conversation that is handled badly is going to have all sorts of consequences. And that's unfair on everyone concerned.
In my experience managers are looking for very practical tips which they can implement immediately. They want to know how to open up the conversation, how to navigate emotional responses, ensure the messages are clear and understood, and create opportunities for resolution.
Alongside the skills that are required, managers also need feedback on how they come across. Too many conversations get derailed because the tone of voice raises questions in the listener's mind about honesty, intention, values.
The MindTools report doubles down on the need for managers to have empathy. Empathy should be a priority, not a preference (page 26).
We know just how powerful an empathic response from your manager can be and it's why we developed our model for effective conversations: ECA (Empathy, Care, Action). If you would like to explore it you can download it here: https://resoundtraining.co.uk/eca
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The top 6 difficult conversations cited in the report are as follows:
1. 28% Letting someone go
2. 16% Addressing underperformance
3. 12% Managing a disengaged employee
4. 11% Supporting employee mental health
5. 9% Managing up
6. 8% Addressing inappropriate behavior
If you are looking for a high-impact learning solution which will give your managers the skills, support and confidence to tackle these issues, then get in touch to discuss how our forum theatre workshops can deliver all this and more.
#difficultconversations #empathy #managers #training
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4 个月Since I grow a leadership model called Compensated Communities, I find that there are often leaders I am partnered with who exemplify excellent leadership and people skills (or at least very good ones). I will call on them if the relationship is stronger (has more deposits) to have the needed conversation.
Make your brand human, so your business stands out, gets noticed, attracts clients and grows affinity. We’ll develop your values-based brand strategy, brand messaging and brand personality. ? Intuitive Brand Strategist
4 个月I agree that support for leaders and managers needs to be personalised and human, because htey need sounding boards and 'what if's'. I've downloaded your ECA PDF for my own self-leadership use. ??
I help students & professionals to find purpose & direction in life with proven coaching programs that actually work. Award winning lecturer| Author| Jack Canfield Certified Trainer-Success Principles Life Coach| Speaker
4 个月Great points, Gill! Your forum theatre workshops seem like an excellent way to equip managers with the skills they need for those tough conversations.
Marketing Consultant, Superyacht Sector | Fractional CMO for Luxury Markets | Growing Private Client Businesses | Mentoring for Entrepreneurs
4 个月Yes, very few people like difficult conversations (as an Aquarian, I actively avoid them!) so any tools and advice which can assist managers is hugely valuable.
International Bid Specialist | Helping Businesses Win Across Industries | Expert in High-Quality Tender and Proposal Management
4 个月Gill Brabner FCIPD, thank you for sharing the insights from the MindTools report on the challenges managers face, particularly in having difficult conversations and managing conflicts. Interestingly, many managers seek support and skills development and turn to coaches and colleagues for help. I would like to learn more about your forum theatre workshops and how they can help managers develop the skills and confidence to tackle these issues. Could you share more information on your workshops' business benefits and strategic value? Would you be available as a speaker on my weekly?Vision 2024?LinkedIn Audio Live show?