Difficult conversations are an everyday part of being a leader. The best leaders have these conversations early and often, avoiding difficult things festering away.
There are five critical elements to remember when you’re having a difficult conversation:
- Be clear on the ‘why’ of the conversation. Why does it need to happen? Be clear to the person you’re talking to, but be equally clear in your own mind.
- Make time and space. Difficult conversations can be emotional and should have time and space around them.
- Be open. There may be reasons or context you need to appreciate.
- Make room for a reaction. It’s not just about what you want to say, but also about creating space for the other person to react.
- Seek solutions. The best leaders don’t blow bad situations up. Instead, they resolve them in everyone’s best interests and that should always be your objective.
