“If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” We’ve all heard that popular phrase. In fact, growing up I not only heard the phrase, I felt haunted by it. On so many occasions, I might have had something to say, yet if it were a concern or something less than positive, I would choose not to say…
You can dish it out. But can you take it? Most of us spend years learning how to give feedback well. We rehearse what to say, soften the delivery, and pick our timing carefully. But almost no one teaches us the other half of the equation, which is how to receive negative feedback without getting defensive. Why We Get Defensive…
Work with whiners? When a co-worker approaches us and launches into the latest lament, here are five ways to respond. Use the strategies below that feel most comfortable for you. Set Boundaries: “I can give you my full attention for about 15 minutes, then I really need to get back to work.” Find out what they need: “Before you continue,…
A Three-Step Process for Constructively Conveying Concerns Difficult conversations are inevitable. We’ve all had those moments when we must voice concerns, address an issue, or share negative feedback. To make difficult conversations less difficult, try my three-step process for constructively conveying concerns: A.I.R. – A- Awareness, I- Impact, R- Request AWARENESS – Give the other person the benefit of the…
Difficult conversations don’t have to ruin the relationship. Find out four ways to address the issues while keeping the relationship intact. We’ve all been there. A co-worker misses a deadline. A team member’s tone comes across as dismissive. A client makes a request that’s just not realistic. In that moment, you have a choice: avoid the issue and hope it…
Why bother to banish bad behavior? It’s tempting to ignore it, hoping it will go away on its own—but the reality is that it rarely does. More often, unchecked negativity festers and spreads, impacting your entire team’s morale and performance. As a supervisor or leader, one of the most challenging yet essential tasks is addressing bad behavior within your team.…