Let's face it, leading a team sometimes feels like juggling flaming swords while riding a bicycle. And the trickiest part? Navigating those oh-so-delicate conversations. But fret not, because these three nifty tricks will turn those tough talks into triumphs.
Flip the Script: Turn Feedback into Fuel
Imagine this: You've got a team member who's been missing the mark lately. Instead of dreading the conversation like a dentist appointment, flip the script! Start by reframing feedback as fuel for growth, not a slap on the wrist.
For instance, instead of saying, "You've been slacking off," try, "I've noticed a dip in your performance lately. Let's work together to figure out how we can get you back on track." See the difference? By shifting the focus from blame to collaboration, you create a safe space for improvement and innovation. Plus, who doesn't love a good comeback story?
Your team may have been feeling overwhelmed with their workload. Or that sometimes, their opinion is sought but seems inconsequential in decision-making. By listening closer and offering support, we come up with a plan to redistribute tasks or have more room for dialogue. Boom! Problem identified, and we’re back in the game stronger together.
Be Curious, Not Furious: Unleash the Power of Questions
As football coach Ted Lasso once taught us: “Be curious, not judgmental”. When the going gets tough, the tough get curious! Instead of bulldozing through a conversation with your own agenda, channel your inner Sherlock Holmes and ask questions. Lots of them. Why? Because questions open doors to understanding, empathy, and solutions. So, when faced with a sticky situation, whip out your curiosity cape and dive deep. Who knows what hidden gems you'll uncover?
Back in 2022, after the third wave of Covid stabilized, we had finally managed to get the team back into office. Within two months, Navya, usually a brilliant self-starter was noticed dropping the ball in team meetings. Soon after, well aware that all her colleagues were required on-site for getting new projects running on-ground, she asked to go back to the WFH model, as an exception for her. Guess our enthusiasm at the request. Yet, instead of coming down on her like a ton of bricks, we approached her with genuine curiosity. "Navya, I know that you are well aware that your request puts us in a predicament. Plus, I’ve noticed you've been quieter than usual in our meetings lately. Is everything okay at work and at home? How would you like to manage your role from a distance when you need to meet prospective clients for the upcoming events?"
Turns out, it had nothing to do with work. Navya's father had been diagnosed with progressive dementia during Covid, which we were all unaware of at office and her mother had been feeling overwhelmed with the growing workload at home with her only child’s unplanned departure back to the New Delhi HQ. As the discussion progressed, we tried to approach the situation with empathy, collaboratively devising a solution that ensured Navya felt supported both in her professional responsibilities and in managing her personal challenges at home.
Embrace the Awkward: Lean into Discomfort
Difficult conversations are awkward. Like, really awkward. But here's the secret sauce: Embrace the discomfort! Instead of dodging tricky topics like a game of verbal dodgeball, lean into them.
Why? Because growth happens outside of your comfort zone. So, grab that awkwardness by the horns and ride it like a boss. Trust me, your team will thank you for it. Let's say you have to address a conflict between two team members, Noel and Vidushi. Instead of tiptoeing around the issue, you could gather them both for a candid conversation and talk about the tension between them affecting the team dynamic. Talk it out and find a solution together.
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