As a leader, confronting conversations with members of your team are inevitable, and also a necessary part of your role. While they can sometimes feel unpleasant, they’re also an important expectation-setting tool to optimise future behaviour and performance. 

Here 5 tips to make confronting conversations productive, focused and a little bit easier. 

1. Plan your conversation in advance 

Prior to your conversation, reflect on what is important to communicate and plan out your key points. This will help you speak with clarity and keep the discussion focused.

2. Ensure your expectations are crystal clear 

The purpose of your conversation will likely be to address behaviour or an issue which needs to change, so always be clear and upfront about what future behaviour should look like. 

3. Give specific feedback 

Give honest and concise feedback by sharing examples of the behaviour/s or issues which need to be changed, and what the impact of these were on the business, team or project. Be prepared to answer questions and offer clarity if needed. 

4. Remove emotion

Be sensitive to emotional triggers, but also try to separate the person from the situation being discussed. Remain focused on the future expectations, rather than dwelling on past behaviour. 

5. Agree on future actions

Put an action plan in place so that you are both on the same page about what happens next. Depending on the situation, this could include follow-up meetings, reviews, specific tasks or behaviours.

Remember that confronting conversations shouldn’t be a surprise if you are consistently coaching and offering feedback to your team. You’ve got this!