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 We are pausing publication of The Daily Briefing out of respect for the tragic passing of Brian Thompson. We will resume publication of this daily newsletter in the coming days.

Expert Insight

Need to give difficult feedback? Here are 4 ways to make it easier.

Difficult conversations are a part of leadership, but they don't have to be overwhelming. Explore four essential leadership moves that will help you successfully navigate difficult feedback conversations and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Scenario: I need to deliver difficult feedback

How can I better prepare so that the feedback is effective and I show up as the leader I aspire to be?

Here are four leadership moves to successfully navigate the challenge:

1. Pause for self-reflection.

Take a moment to reflect on why you are struggling to provide this feedback.

  • What is making it hard for you to address this person’s behavior?
  • If you have hesitated or delayed, why?
  • What are the reasons you need to account for and reconcile with yourself before having that conversation? For example, are you afraid of disappointing this person? Of being perceived as unfair? Of making the situation worse?

2. Anticipate how this person will respond.

Prepare your message in advance and be clear on what you need to communicate.

  • Which specific behaviors that they need to change?
  • What expectations aren’t they meeting?
  • What are the consequences of their actions, including impact on performance?

3. Create an approach with the end in mind.

Think about how you can approach the conversation with a balanced combination of empathy and assertiveness to ensure that you are heard.

  • How do you anticipate this person will respond?
  • Are you prepared to stay on message if they shift blame, cry, or become angry?
  • What are the questions you’ll ask them to better understand why they are not meeting expectations?
  • How will you explore solutions together?

4. Create a culture of continuous feedback.

As a leader, you know you get better with experience. This is why it's important to give your team members stretch goals and opportunities to be challenged. Use this experience to refine your own leadership skills.

  • How will you incorporate a continuous feedback loop?
  • How can you create a process for sharing feedback in team meetings?
  • How will you cultivate an environment that encourages staff to feel empowered to have difficult conversations with each other?

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