Tackle Tough Talks with Confidence
Mar 20, 2025
Leadership isn’t just about strategy and execution—it’s about communication. One of the most challenging (yet most essential) skills a business owner or manager must develop is the ability to have courageous conversations—the kind that foster accountability, alignment, and growth.
It's easy to call these conversations “difficult,” which can create hesitation or avoidance. But what if we reframe them? Instead of difficult conversations, what if we called them fierce conversations (as explored in Fierce Conversations) or recognized them as an opportunity to become Supercommunicators (Supercommunicators)—people who navigate high-stakes conversations with confidence and clarity?
How to Approach a Courageous Conversation Like a Leader
When addressing performance issues, unmet expectations, or workplace conflicts, your mindset matters. Here’s how to lead with confidence:
1. Focus on Facts, Not Feelings
It’s easy to let emotions seep into these discussions, but the strongest leaders anchor their conversations in facts. Before initiating the conversation, gather specific examples of the behavior or performance issue. Instead of saying, “You’re not engaged in meetings,” say, “In the last three meetings, I noticed you didn’t contribute any ideas.”
2. Document Everything
Every conversation like this should be written down. This not only protects you and the company but also ensures clear expectations are set. After the meeting, send a recap of what was discussed, the agreed-upon next steps, and a timeline for improvement.
3. Use the 3-Strike Rule for Accountability
A structured approach prevents surprises and keeps things fair. Here’s how:
- Strike One: A candid discussion about the issue, ensuring the employee understands expectations.
- Strike Two: A second conversation if the issue persists, offering additional support while reinforcing consequences.
- Strike Three: If no improvement happens, it’s time to make a firm decision—whether that’s reassignment, final warning, or termination.
(Learn more about this from the EOS Website.)
Final Thoughts: The Hard Conversations Get Easier
At first, these conversations may feel awkward or uncomfortable. But the more you step into them with clarity, courage, and consistency, the easier they become. A leader’s job isn’t to avoid hard discussions—it’s to have them in a way that fosters accountability, trust, and growth.
If you want to strengthen this skill, check out Fierce Conversations and Supercommunicators—both of which provide excellent frameworks for turning tough talks into transformational moments.
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