Hard conversations in the workplace

  1. State the problem clearly
    • Skip the small talk
    • Address the elephant in the room

    This is going to be an uncomfortable situation, but nobody is loosing their job today.

    • Give time to process, continue next day
  2. Offer coaching and set expectations
    • Ask for a commitment and to share the urgency
    • Work closely on the problem
  3. Follow up on progress
    • Validate progress with peers
    • If the progress is insufficient, clearly deliver this fact.
    • Lay out the options: changes or separation. At this point severance options should be presented.
    • Give time to process and continue next day.
  4. 90-days plan
    • Demand 100% compliance
    • No wiggle room
    • Communicate that expectations here to stay after this period is over and falling below would result in no-warning termination.