Leading difficult conversations

Having difficult conversations is never easy, but it’s always important. To lead effectively you need to be able to engage in these conversations in order to address any issues and achieve the best results. Whether it is with the CEO, Chairman of the Board, or an underperforming employee, every difficult conversation needs thought, preparation, consultation and often an ongoing communication plan to ensure the right outcome. Striking a balance with the right amount of empathy, the weighting of data versus gut instinct, and the amount of listening compared to talking can all influence the success of the discussion.