How to Start and Navigate Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

Yep this one is off-cycle for my newsletter. But in 2 weeks, I'll be speaking about cultivating conversational cultures at the HR Florida Conference & Expo and I just released my new book Convo Catalyst: The Humanistic Guide to Ignite Dialogue, Shift Perspectives & Cultivate Change. So, I thought I'd just share some nuggets from my book about how to navigate difficult conversations in the workplace.

We all know that difficult conversations are an inevitable part of workplace life. Really life in general. Whether it's discussing performance issues with an employee or addressing a sensitive topic like race or gender, these conversations can be challenging.

However, avoiding them only makes the problem worse. Courageous conversations are essential for building inclusive workplace cultures, but they require a bit of finesse.

Here are a few tips for starting and navigating difficult conversations:

1. Prepare yourself: Before starting a difficult conversation, take some time to prepare yourself mentally. Reflect on your own biases and assumptions, and try to approach the conversation with an open mind. Think about what you want to achieve from the conversation, and how you can steer it in a constructive direction.
2. Set the stage: It's important to create a safe and respectful environment for difficult conversations. Start by acknowledging the discomfort of the topic and setting ground rules for the conversation. For example, you could agree to listen actively, avoid interrupting, and focus on understanding each other's perspectives.
3. Use "I" statements: "I" statements are a powerful way to express your perspective without putting the other person on the defensive. Instead of saying "You're wrong," try saying "I feel differently about this topic." This approach encourages the other person to share their perspective without feeling attacked.
4. Practice empathy: Empathy is essential for building trust and fostering understanding during difficult conversations. Try to see the situation from the other person's perspective, and acknowledge their feelings and concerns. Use phrases like "I can see why you might feel that way" or "I understand why this topic is important to you."
5. Listen actively: Active listening is one of the most important skills for navigating difficult conversations. To listen actively, you should focus on what the other person is saying, ask questions for clarification, and summarize their points to show that you understand. Avoid interrupting, judging, or dismissing their perspective.
6. Stay focused on the goal: Difficult conversations can easily become derailed if emotions run high. It's important to stay focused on the goal of the conversation and avoid getting sidetracked by personal attacks or unrelated issues. If the conversation becomes too heated, take a break and come back to it later.
7. Follow up: After the conversation, it's important to follow up with the other person to ensure that you're both on the same page. Send an email summarizing what was discussed and any action items that were agreed upon. This shows that you take the conversation seriously and are committed to finding a solution.

Remember that difficult conversations are an opportunity for growth and learning, and that the discomfort you feel is a sign that you're doing something important.?

If you want to learn more, let's chat about how my Convo Catalyst Experience that leverages my "PER"fect Framework will equip your teams with the right skills to effectively create an inclusive culture where every person and every voice matters.

Until next time ...

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About the Author:

Kelly Charles-Collins ?is a passionate advocate for creating inclusive cultures where every person and every voice truly matters. With a background spanning over two decades as an employment law trial attorney, and as a certified mediator and arbitrator, she brings a wealth of legal and corporate experience to her work.

Kelly works closely with companies to foster a sense of belonging and unity, driving productivity and promoting a healthier workplace environment. She aims to keep companies out of newsrooms and courtrooms by proactively addressing issues related to courageous conversations and unconscious bias.

Kelly has been a featured expert on ABC, NBC, CBS, Time.com, Forbes, Fast Company, Authority Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily, Thrive Global and more. She is the author of Convo Catalyst: The Humanistic Guide to Ignite Dialogue, Shift Perspectives & Cultivate Change and Unapologetic AF: 34 Ways to Unleash Your Inner Badass.

If your company or association is seeking guidance on creating safe, inclusive, accountable and conversational culture where every person and every voice matters, Kelly is available as a keynote speaker, corporate trainer, fireside chat guest, panelist, podcast guest, or television guest.?Schedule a call ?with Kelly now.?