Navigating Difficult Workplace Conversations: Tips for Success
Have you ever found yourself holding back from saying something difficult? I know I have, many times. It's been said that some of the best ideas and solutions come from the most challenging conversations, yet why do we still struggle to engage in them?
When you're faced with strong differences of opinion, it can be tough to initiate a conversation. Fear of upsetting the other person or the conversation becoming too emotional can make us want to run for the hills. And as women, we're often told to avoid getting emotional altogether - it's a negative stereotype that burdens too many of us. I'll admit it - I've been guilty of staying quiet too often, making excuses for not speaking up. But the truth is, we deserve to have our voices heard, even when the conversation is tough.
Difficult workplace conversations can be challenging to navigate, but they are crucial for maintaining a healthy and productive work environment. Some examples of such conversations include giving negative feedback, addressing conflicts, discussing sensitive issues, and confronting ethical or legal violations. It's easy to feel apprehensive or uncertain about these types of conversations, but there are ways to have them successfully. By preparing and approaching these conversations with empathy and a willingness to listen, you can navigate them with confidence and ensure that they lead to positive outcomes. Here are some tips to help you handle difficult workplace conversations successfully:
Come from a place of curiosity and respect. It’s easier to come into the conversation with an open attitude and the desire to want to learn.
Stop worrying about being liked. This is a big one for me, I want to be liked and feel that disagreeing will be a reason for others not to like me. But this is a time to respect others around you and say the hard things.
Say less and listen more. I mean, this helps all conversations, but especially difficult conversations. Stop thinking about how to say the hard thing and truly listen to what is happening around you.
Be direct, and make your point with fewer words. This will allow for fewer misunderstandings. There were times when I would use a positive comment to buffer saying the difficult thing. But that led to others missing my point altogether.
I have seen the transformative power of difficult conversations in shaping individuals and organizations. Jasmine's story is a perfect example of this. Despite years of hard work and dedication, Jasmine’s promotion was on hold.. Although Jasmine was nervous about addressing her leader on this issue, she mustered the courage to schedule a meeting. The conversation was uncomfortable, but it was also empowering as her leader listened to her concerns and reconsidered the timing of the promotion. Jasmine felt heard and respected, and she left the meeting proud of herself for speaking up. It's never easy to confront difficult issues head-on, but as leaders and professionals, it's our responsibility to do so, and the benefits of doing so are immeasurable.
While difficult conversations may be uncomfortable in the moment, they often lead to positive outcomes, helping individuals and organizations grow and evolve. So, the next time you find yourself procrastinating or hesitating to initiate a challenging conversation, remind yourself that the energy it takes to avoid it is greater than the energy it takes to have it in the first place. Get your point out there and move forward, confident that you have taken an important step towards positive change.