Having a Difficult Conversation - Tips for Effective Leaders

If you need to have a difficult conversation with a staff member follow these steps:

1. Prepare for the discussion,
2. Determine if this is a "development" meeting or a "corrective action" meeting
3. Ask questions - don't jump to conclusions, check your assumptions
4. Ask staff member if they are aware of the situation,
5. Ask their impression of the situation
6. Ask how they think the situation can be resolved
7. Stay on topic...don't "water down" the importance of this conversation
8. Collaborate on the development of an Action Plan
9. Set date for next meeting

"If you start a conversation with the assumption that you are right or that you must win, obviously it is difficult to talk."
Wendell Berry