7 Steps That Make Difficult Employee Conversations Easier
7 Steps That Make Difficult Employee Conversations Easier
7 Steps That Make Difficult Employee Conversations Easier
Finding ways to make difficult employee conversations easier, regardless of your title or status in an organization, can be, well, difficult. Yet one of the most important jobs of a manager is to have conversations that provides helpful, constructive, coaching and feedback. It is often these conversations that create a turning point. A well planned conversation can go a long way in improving engagement, attitude, and performance. A poorly handled conversation can have the opposite effect.
Many managers aren’t comfortable providing constructive criticism, pointing out when a promise has been broken, or standing firm when a deliverable has not been met. Even asking for clarification or seeking additional help can be a challenging conversation for some.
While there is no magic formula or recipe, I have developed a 7-step process for managers and anyone else that needs to have a difficult conversation.
Step #1 – Define the Problem
Describe the behavior and be as specific as possible. Example: Rather than saying, “you’re always late”, try “I’ve noticed you have been coming in later than usual. For instance, on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, you were over an hour late.”
Step #2 – Describe the Perception or Impact
What impact is that behavior having on you, the team, or the organization? Sharing a wider impact helps put the problem in perspective. It is often helpful to focus on “the perception” the behavior is creating because perception is reality. In addition, unless you have evidence to the contrary, assume positive intent.
Example: “While I’m sure it’s not your intent, this creates the perception that this isn’t a priority. I can see the team struggling to keep up, and I’m concerned how it may be affecting them. I like you, and I want to see you be successful.”
Step #3 – “Tell Me More.”
Allow the person to vent.
Example: “Tell me about what’s going on”. It is important to listen without arguing, justifying, or defending yourself. Be quiet. Sometimes the silence makes us uncomfortable, and we don’t give the person a chance to process or compose his/her thoughts. This is often the most important step. Validate emotions and feelings: “It sounds like you’re saying xyz. Am I understanding that correctly?”
Step #4 – Agree on the Problem
If you both have different perceptions of the problem, or both don’t agree it is a problem, moving forward can be a challenge. To gain alignment around a solution, you first have to agree on the problem.
Example: “Would you agree with me that continuing down this road is not acceptable?” or, “Can you see how your co-workers might be left feeling the way they do?”
Step #5 – Brainstorm Solutions
Listen openly and avoid criticizing or judging ideas.
Example: “Let’s brainstorm some potential solutions. What are your thoughts? What would you like to see happen?” It’s important to help make the employee feel heard and part of the solution, even if they arrive at the same solution you already had in mind. The goal of the conversation is to get it right, not be right.
Step #6 – Agree on a Solution
Rather than focusing on the past, focus on solutions moving forward. Discuss the positive outcomes and negative consequences for making a change.
Example: “So going forward, you are going to _______, and I will __________. Are we in agreement?”
Step #7 – Follow-Through
The only thing harder than a difficult conversation is having the same one twice. Make it a priority to follow-up and provide feedback. People repeat behavior that gets attention. Catch your employee doing something right and take the time to provide praise and positive feedback.
While difficult conversations can be daunting, this 7-step process will keep you on track and set you and your employee up for success.

Anne Grady is a Speaker, Author, and #TruthBomb Dropper.
Anne shares practical strategies that can be applied both personally and professionally to improve relationships, navigate change, and triumph over adversity. And she’ll make you laugh while she does it. Anne is a two time TEDx speaker, and her work has been featured in numerous media outlets, including Harvard Business Review, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fast Company and Inc. magazines, CNN, ESPN, and FOX Business. She is the best selling author of 52 Strategies for Life, Love & Work and Strong Enough: Choosing Courage, Resilience and Triumph.
I played piano from the time I was four years old until the age of 15 and during that time, I had a lot of recitals. I remember being so nervous before each recital. What if I played the wrong note? What if I forgot the music? My dad would look at me, hold my hands, and say:
Whatever you do, DO NOT think of pink elephants!!
At the time, I had no idea why in the world he would say this. All I do know is that when I sat down to play, all I saw were pink elephants, and I was able to tackle my nerves.
Turns out my dad was helping me to practice the ironic process theory which explains that when we try to suppress our thoughts, we focus on them even more. Seventy to 80% of our thoughts are negative and repetitive. If not managed, intrusive thoughts can lead to anxiety, depression, and a whole host of mental health challenges.
If you tend to get stuck in rumination, or if your thoughts sometimes get the best of you, here are a few ways to take back control:
1️⃣ Recognize that your thoughts are not facts.
2️⃣ Use your brain. Do a math problem, practice a different language, or play a puzzle game. When you access the prefrontal cortex, the higher level thinking part of your brain, you get out of the emotional limbic system.
3️⃣ Distract yourself. Sometimes a simple distraction gives you enough distance to quiet your intrusive thoughts.
4️⃣ Practice mindfulness.
5️⃣ See a therapist. When negative, intrusive thoughts impact your ability to do your job, maintain relationships, or start clouding your judgment, it may be time to get help. As someone with plenty of intrusive thoughts, therapy has helped me tremendously.
Don’t forget, your thoughts and feelings are not facts. They are simply habits that need to be shifted. Be patient with yourself, and if all else fails, whatever you do, DO NOT THINK OF PINK ELEPHANTS!
This blog topic came at a perfect time. I had to have 3 difficult conversations yesterday and used these tactics. The conversations went smoothly and were constructive.
Thank you!
Hi Justine! So glad the tips helped and it’s great to hear from you!!! Miss you!
Fabulous article…If managers would follow these steps, their results with the team members would be much more successful with positive results.
Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Donna!