Courageous Conversations

29/04/2021

I think that it’s a fair assumption when I say that it is difficult initiating a courageous conversation, especially when you don’t like conflict. Albeit difficult, it is a skill that many business leaders should master. Addressing performance, misconduct, and other ‘awkward’ issues when they have been brought to light is vital.  Often, when a problem is left to stew, it can grow into a much larger issue than what was first thought.  A  great article written by Sally Kirkright from mybusiness has outlined five steps in order to have ‘courageous’ conversations with employees. See the full article below:

From time to time we all encounter situations where a person’s behaviour is inappropriate and we feel a need to say something. However, these conversations aren’t easy or enjoyable. So how do you successfully conduct courageous conversations in the workplace?

As a business owner, it may be that your job requires you to have these conversations with people on a regular basis. Performance issues often require courageous conversations. Or maybe it’s something more personal or you may have to tell someone that they didn’t get the promotion and give some hard feedback as to why.

A common myth is that raising the issue might make things worse, however a carefully constructed conversation might save things from getting worse.

Conflict is an unavoidable consequence of working life, but in many instances it doesn’t have to escalate to that level. It is a myth that raising an issue could turn a working relationship sour; however, a carefully constructed conversation might be the saviour.

Our imaginations are very powerful, and this can be quite problematic when coupled with the anxiety which is often generated by the prospect of having a potentially difficult conversation. We tend to imagine that the worst will happen.

Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects, we need to reframe these conversations as courageous conversations and focus on the opportunities these could present.

Here are some tips on having courageous conversations constructively for a more desirable outcome:

1. Be confident with your concerns

It can be easy to stop ourselves raising concerns by minimising their importance. For example, we may tell ourselves we are ‘just being silly’, we are ‘being too sensitive’ or ‘it’s not such a big deal’.

These thoughts are counterproductive because fear keeps you from being courageous.

If the issue is impacting you or someone else negatively, or if there are consequences to not raising the issue, then it’s important to do so.

Be clear about the reasons why you are initiating the conversation and be confident in what you are saying.

2. Focus on the behaviour

Let the person know that it is their behaviour that is upsetting or concerning you. Be careful not to label the person, as this can result in them becoming defensive.

Counter their defensiveness by distinguishing the problem from the person, and invite their input in how to address the issue.

For example, instead of saying “You’re selfish and lazy”, you could say “When you leave me to clean up everything, I feel let down because I’m doing it all alone without any help.”

3. Be clear and specific

Anxiety about how someone might react can lead to messages being ‘watered down’.

We may give a lot of positive feedback to the negative, or we might talk generally to a group about a behaviour that bothers us without speaking directly to the person involved.

The risk is that your message will not be heard by them.

Say what you sincerely believe needs to be said, even if you know the person you are speaking to may not enjoy hearing it.

Share what it is you want to say, and be sure to phrase it in a way that is respectful towards that person.

4. Listen

This can sometimes be the hard part because people can be defensive or angry after hearing your concerns and feedback. They may deny that there’s an issue and even convince you it’s ‘all in your head’.

Before you launch into your opinion of the situation, listen first. Don’t interrupt, explain, justify or defend.

There are always two sides to a story, and there will be time respond later.

5. Respond calmly

Depending on how the person has reacted to your concerns, remaining calm can be tricky. However, focus on clarifying the factual accuracies of what the person has said.

Their feelings are subjective and you can’t change these. The person may be angry with you for some time.

Confidently restate your concerns but remember if you start getting upset, call time out. You have to manage your own emotions first before you can respond well to others.

You may need some time to think about what each other has said before you come to a resolution or compromise.

If you feel like you aren't comfortable having these courageous conversations, the team at EQ can help. In whatever capacity required, we are frequently called in to support leaders with the delivery of complex issues.