THE NEXT JEN

I come from the vibrant and ever-evolving world of the supply chain industry, where mastering the art of tough conversations isn’t just helpful – it’s essential for a blooming career.

With over ten years dancing in this dynamic field, I’ve tangoed with my share of challenging conversations, from negotiating claims to smoothing out team performance issues, and even managing those tricky client expectations…

Sounds familiar, right? I bet these skills are golden in your line of work, too.

Prep and Plan with a Smile

Before diving into any difficult conversation, it’s crucial to prepare and plan. First, zero in on your chat’s purpose. What’s your goal? Gather all the facts and data you need, and prep for those curveball questions and objections.

Choosing the right time and place is setting the stage. You want a private, distraction-free zone to make your conversation shine in the most positive light possible.

Stay Cool, Stay Kind

It’s natural for emotions to run high in challenging conversations, but maintaining your composure is key. Practice being all ears – active listening makes the other person feel heard and valued. If you’re feeling the temperature rise, take a breather. A pause can be a powerful tool.

And if things get heated on the other side, remember the magic of “I” statements. Share your thoughts and feelings, steering clear of blame or accusations.

Be Empathetic

Empathy is like a soothing balm in tense situations. Try stepping into the other person’s shoes – they’ve got their own story, after all.

Recognize their emotions, nod to their feelings, and show that you get it. Ask open-ended questions to encourage them to open up, and hold off on any snap judgments. When we pass judgement prematurely, we can easily escalate things where there may have been resolution.

Crystal Clear Communication

Clarity is crucial. Concise, honest, and direct communication require plain language. Keep it simple, honest, and straight to the point. Stay away from jargon or complicated terms – you’re aiming for understanding, not confusion. Stick to the topic at hand.

Maintain Professionalism

No matter how difficult the conversation may feel in the moment, it’s your responsibility to uphold a professional demeanor. Stay respectful, even when you disagree. Personal attacks? They’re off-limits. Remember, it’s about resolving the issue, not scoring personal points.

After the conversations, follow-up. Summarize the key points and any agreed-upon actions. It might feel tough, especially if things got a bit sour, but professionalism sometimes means doing the hard stuff.

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In the business world, tough conversations are part of the package. I’ve been there – on both sides of the table. But armed with preparation, calmness, empathy, clear communication, and professionalism, you’ll be all set to handle those challenging chats with confidence and a touch of grace.

Remember, each tough conversation is a stepping stone to growth – for you and your organization. Embrace these moments, and you’ll find yourself ready to tackle whatever the business world throws your way.

You got this.

xo Jenni