Difficult conversations with employees you have to dismiss, reprimand for inappropriate behaviour or deprive of their rewards are never simple. That is true even when you as managers have a long-term experience with such conversations. The key to increasing your confidence and maintain good relationships with employees is to learn how to conduct these difficult conversations with respect and understanding. Entrepreneur.com recommends the following steps.
1. Determine your goal in advance
Before you begin a discussion with an employee, decide what tone you want to set, what points you want to deal with and what results you wnat to achieve. If the conversation starts to divert from these goals, return to them.
2. Give the employee the same space
Show that you want to listen. Allow the employee to first explain the reasons for the behavior due to which you have met.
3. Focus on specific events
Do not criticize general attitudes of your employees. Clearly specify when and under what circumstances you have noticed certain behaviour.
4. Express your observations
Present the behavioral problems you want to talk about as your personal observations, not as the absolute truths. Be prepared to hear the opinion of the other party. In the case when there is nothing to discuss (eg dismissal), however, be direct and do not get involved in unnecessary debates.
5. Watch situations in context
Do not point your finger at someone responsible. Talk about the circumstances that led to a particular problem. Your employees will then be more motivated to improve and not repeating the same mistakes.
6. Allow employees to learn from their mistakes
Even while dismissing someone, you can give him the chance to learn from his past mistakes. Sincerely-meant advice on how to behave in the next job can help a lot.
7. Understand the employees' feelings
Even if you disagree with someone or you do not want to discuss an issue further, you should understand the employee's feelings. Therefore, let the employees with whom you handle a difficult interview know that you respect his feelings. Only then he can leave with dignity and without losing faith in himself.
-kk-