Constructive conversations
Tips for making difficult conversations as successful as possible
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Introduction
If you’re a line manager, there could be times you’ll need to talk about an uncomfortable or delicate topic with someone in your team.
You might need to address someone’s behaviour, investigate a complaint, give negative feedback, tackle personality clashes, deal with personal problems or talk about change.
It’s common for many people to try and avoid these conversations. While they’re difficult to have at the time, they’re an opportunity to understand a situation better, resolve a problem, improve relationships, and embrace change.
It could be a difficult and emotional time for you and the other person. The conversation should be useful and reach an outcome you both agree with.
This resource helps you prepare for the conversation, and shows you where you can find support.
Wellbeing and Mental Health
The wellbeing and mental health webpage points out where to find additional help for volunteers.
Find out mental health supportUnplanned conversations
We might not be able to plan for every challenging conversation. Here are three top tips to remember for when you find yourself in a conversation you weren’t prepared for:
- You can acknowledge how the person is feeling, without agreeing with them.
- It’s OK to stop the conversation and ask the person to meet another time, so you can have more time to prepare.
- Stay calm, pause and breathe.