Why I’ve Come to Love Difficult Conversations

We’ve all had difficult conversations with coworkers that simply make our lives, well, difficult. Whether it’s a planned performance review, salary negotiation, or work-related fight for territory, no one really likes or wants to have them. However, these challenging dialogs are some of the more important conversations I’ve had to have and receive in my career. It turns out…they’re now kind of my fave. Here’s why.

We’re successful, powerful women, and we didn’t get where we are because we didn’t shy away from challenges. That’s exactly how I view a hard conversation, or even a less-than-perfect relationship with a teammate – like a test that I’m going to overcome. As my career has progressed, I’ve found out more about myself with each exchange (like a superpower I didn’t know I had), and I came out on the other side a stronger version of myself. I promise you that after the sigh of relief you will think to yourself, “While that may have been uncomfortable, I actually also helped another employee become a better version of themselves in the workplace.” And most of the time, if approached the right way, they will see it the same way. 

The fact that you identified the need for a difficult conversation means that you care and that you are a good manager. Viewing difficult dialogs as opportunities to become a stronger version of yourself and helping others will balance how uncomfortable the conversations can be. You’ve got this!