Inspiring Workplaces 
The Way Work Ought to Be!

#1,085- August 6, 2025

In last week's exciting episode of Inspiring Workplaces (it's more exciting to think of these as episodes, don't you think?), I offered up eight mindsets to help you navigate and mentally prepare for difficult conversations. 

Given that a study found that 11% of employees admitted to leaving their jobs to avoid a difficult conversation,  I've got eight more tips to help you master a difficult conversation so you don't feel the urge to move to Uruguay the next time a tough conversation arises!  

1. Meet in a neutral location. A relaxed, distraction-free location on neutral territory can make an enormous difference. 
2. Bring notes. Bringing along simple notes can help keep you on track and ensure that you don't forget something important. It also sends the message that you were thoughtful enough to take the time to do your homework and show up prepared. 
3. Focus on the facts. To keep temperatures at a reasonable level, focus only on the facts and stay away from editorializing with your opinion. 
4. Use "I" statements. Rather than saying, "You acted like a jerk" (an editorial, judgmental label sure to get someone's back up), try, "When you interrupt me in meetings (an objective fact) I feel as though you don't respect me or value my opinion."  It's hard to disagree with how someone feels, which is what gives "I" statements their superpowers. 
5. Ask clarifying questions. Non-accusatory questions demonstrate a willingness to understand their perspective and offers an opportunity for you to learn something new rather than making assumptions.  
6. Offer support. Let them know you are willing to help them resolve the issue and explain what you are going to do on your end to help resolve the issue. Ask the other person if they would like any support, how much support they need, and what kind of support would be most helpful, and let them know if you would like some support as well! (Trust me, this works remarkably well!)     
7. Break if you need to. One of my clients uses a squeaky rubber chicken for difficult conversations. Anyone who feels they need to take a break and go for a walk to regroup for fifteen minutes can squawk the chicken!  
8. Schedule next steps and especially a follow-up conversation. Always, as I mentioned last week, view the conversation as a series of conversations, so schedule the next conversation before you part, even if it's just a five-minute check in, to assess how things have settled out once there has been time to process the conversation. scheduling a follow-up conversation sends a message that you aren't abandoning them and that you are still going to support them (and/or hold them accountable in a loving, supportive way).