They’re called difficult conversations for a reason. Maybe you received negative feedback, got into a disagreement with a co-worker, or were part of an angry email chain. You’re bound to have tough conversations in your professional life. No one wants to hear their boss say, “We have to talk,” but if you handle the situation respectfully and diplomatically, you can not only find a resolution but also improve your working relationship.
Your main mantra before any awkward conversation should be “don’t take it personally.” As Nancy Halpern, an executive at the New York City-based executive coaching firm KNH Associates, says: “It’s not personal. It’s work.” Try to keep your emotions and ego out of it. “You might not like or respect the person you’re talking with, but you are both there to do a job. So don’t let them feel like you’re attacking them, and don’t think someone is attacking you,” Halpern says.
There are common workplace circumstances that can be the catalyst for difficult and uncomfortable conversations. Monster career experts offer advice on how to get through three of these uncomfortable situations like a pro.
Read the rest in this article I wrote for Monster.
