Essential Resources for Handling Difficult Conversations
Video Examples
The following video clips from Atana's 7x award-winning Uncomfortable Conversations course provide insights that encourage and equip managers to initiate, rather than avoid, difficult conversations.
The Upside of Difficult Conversations
Uncomfortable Conversations clip © 2024 Atana
"How Do I Even Start....?"
Uncomfortable Conversations clip © 2024 Atana
Showing Empathy
Uncomfortable Conversations clip © 2024 Atana
Articles and Tools
This post explores the reasons why managers avoid having difficult conversations with employees, despite the negative consequences, and instead advocates for training to help overcome those barriers.
Managers must be ready to handle a variety of challenging situations, including conversations that may be uncomfortable or difficult. This job aid helps prepare for the meeting and maintain a positive, productive tone.
New managers often struggle with difficult employee conversations; the article promotes behavioral training as key for equipping first-time leaders to handle these challenging situations successfully.
Letting someone go is one of the most difficult aspects of a manager’s job. Whether it’s a layoff due to organizational restructuring or termination for cause, these tips can help ensure your conversation is both legally sound and delivered with heart.
For various reasons managers shun difficult conversations with employees. But failure to carry out those responsibilities can cause big problems. This post explains the benefits of training managers to be comfortable with uncomfortable conversations.
Talking with an employee about a sensitive or personal issue is uncomfortable...even awkward. But it’s also a clear indication that you care and want to help your employee be successful. Here's how to address the problem with professionalism and gentleness.
Here's an activity anyone can use to become a more effective listener. By identifying behaviors seen in the best listener you know (as well as the worst listener you know), you hone in on the things you can do to build better listening habits.
No one likes being called out for something they did wrong (or could have done better)—and this makes many managers uncomfortable with employee performance discussions. These tips will help keep conversations positive and constructive.
