Having Difficult Conversations: A Guide for Managers

Introduction

• Leadership skills and mindsets for difficult conversations

1. Understanding and Overcoming Communication Barriers

• Your conversation style
• Overcome the main barrier of difficult conversations

2. Difficult Conversations Are Part of the Manager's Job

• How to know it's time for a conversation
• Managing emotions
• How to address avoided issues

3. Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Online communication mistakes
• Playing "power of attorney"
• Fixing and rescuing
• Getting distracted and losing control

4. Mindsets That Expand Conflict Competency

• Mindsets: Growth versus fixed
• Replace assumptions with curiosity

5. Build Strategic Communication Skills

• Setting communication expectations
• Mapping out difficult conversations
• Discerning the real communication issue
• Listen to own the conversation
• Course correct problems

Making Tough Calls

• Create a culture of accountability
• Making good decisions