How do you address the elephant in your room?
Jeff struggles to manage crucial conversations.
Jeff is subject to criticisms from his colleagues about the work environment. Top management decided to tighten the rules in the recovery phase of the pandemic, with their business just accelerating up.
It is exhausting to try and balance the demands of his top management with those of his colleagues. While the conflict may seem manageable for a while it will eventually become overwhelming. A trust deficit appears to be apparent. No matter how difficult the situation, the support of stakeholders is key to any leader’s success.
Leaders will be able to have critical conversations while being honest and open to community change.
What are the most important conversations?
Crucial conversations can be described as high stakes, emotional discourse that includes a plateau of opposing opinions from different people.
“These conversations are often avoided because the person does not have the skills necessary to deal with the difficulties they raise.” The results are not positive or changeable.
Here are some examples of situations that may require crucial conversations
Discuss performance with employees who are not performing well at work.
Talk to your managers about mistrust and reservations.
Talking to your family and friends about the upsetting behavior.
Asking for a raise in pay.
Here are four ways to navigate important conversations more efficiently
1) Create a safe environment
Freepik Stakes have reached their peak and emotions are high. All opinions must be heard equally. It is crucial to create a safe and healthy environment that allows everyone to speak their truth. Pay attention to both the verbal as well as physical cues. When you sense discomfort or volatility from either party, bring the conversation back to safety.
2) Be a leader with facts and the truth
Engage in important conversations using hard facts.
“Separate facts from stories. Although it sounds simple, it is important to record these facts. A fact cannot be interpreted. “A story can be debated.”
3) Identify the issue and state it
Avoid attempting to address multiple issues at once. Identify the issues, concerns, or problems. To have a constructive conversation, ensure that all parties are clear about the discussion’s direction and agenda.
4) Reaching a mutual understanding
All critical conversations should conclude with a summary of all points discussed and a mutual agreement towards finding a solution. Also, a token of appreciation for the willingness and ability to have a discussion to improve the current situation.
To read our previous article on “Life After MCO”: https://blog.trainocate.com/life-after-mco-3-steps-to-engage-virtual-teams-2/
Trainocate Malaysia has carefully selected 8 programs to support your organisation and your people under the Mind and the People program. This includes Mastering Critical Conversations.
To find out more: https://trainocate.com/my/highlights/softskills-the-mind-and-the-people-programs-