Mastering Difficult Conversations With Your Staff

Hello and welcome to this weeks episode of The Australian Small Business Show.

In this episode we dive into a topic that so many small business owners struggle with, having difficult conversations.

We unpack why these conversations are often avoided, how that avoidance can actually make things worse, and the hidden cost it can have on your team, your time and your overall business performance. We also explore the reality that difficult conversations show up in many forms, from underperformance and behavioural issues through to pay rise discussions, promotions and even interviews.

We share real examples of the types of conversations that come up in small business and why putting them off can lead to bigger problems down the track. In particular, we discuss how delaying these conversations can create confusion for team members, impact team culture and even make your eventual response seem like an overreaction. We also touch on the importance of setting clear expectations early, especially during the hiring process, to avoid difficult situations later on.

A big focus of this episode is giving you practical strategies to approach these conversations with more confidence. We talk about the importance of getting clear on your objective before going into the conversation, understanding your team members communication styles, and tailoring your approach so your message is actually heard. We also highlight the value of being specific, prepared and aligned, particularly if you are working with a business partner or leadership team.

Finally, we share some simple but powerful tips to help you take action, including why you should not delay these conversations, how to structure them effectively, and the importance of following up afterwards. If this is something you find challenging, we also share details of an upcoming workshop designed to help you prepare, script and confidently handle your next difficult conversation.

Want to join Kristy-Lee’s upcoming workshop on this topic? Get your free seat here:

https://www.peoplepoweredbusiness.com.au/handled

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Disclaimer: The information shared on The Australian Small Business Show is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice, legal or otherwise. We recommend consulting with your advisors on your specific circumstances.