Practical Grammar and Vocabulary in the Workplace. Пособие по бизнес-английскому

How toВ deal with tough issues atВ work

All ofВ us face difficult conversations at work now and on. What are the issues that can be tough toВ discuss?

Unsolicited Advice

Underperformance

Criticism

Disappointment

Complaints and grievances

It goes without saying that we have to bottle up negative emotions in addressing these issues so as not to destroy the friendly atmosphere and a team spirit but such discussions are a necessary evil providing us an opportunity to resolve workplace conflicts quickly and efficiently and improve employees’ performance.

Many people avoid difficult conversations in the workplace because it makes them feel uncomfortable but we should remember that the problems will not go away by themselves. In fact, avoiding the conversation may prolong or exacerbate the problem, damage productivity, reduce staff confidence in the manager’s leadership skills and finally lead to employee turnover.

The right phrases can help you find the correct way ofВ managing difficult conversations

HOW TOВ OPEN AВ TOUGH CONVERSATION

We suggest starting with conciliatory gestures using the phrases like these:

1 Is this a good time to talk? There are a few things I’d like to go over with you.

2В IВ need toВ speak with you about something; please feel free toВ speak your mind, as well.

3 I’m at a loss as to what to do about this. Perhaps you have some ideas?

4В We all need toВ have difficult conversations at some point, and this is one ofВ those times.

if it doesn’t help, don’t hesitate to be blunt

1 I ’m just going to come out and say it: We need to talk. Now.

2В InВ my office, five minutes.

3В IВ am going toВ talk, and you are going toВ listen, okay?

How toВ Express aВ Specific Concern

Try toВ be polite, at least at the beginning ofВ the discussion

1 There’s just one thing that’s bothering me about this…

2В You know, it seems like there could be aВ potential problem here.

3 Let’s revisit this for a moment. I’m sure I’m not the only one with doubts.

4 I’d like to put everything out on the table, okay?

5 Ignoring a problem will only make it worse, don’t you agree?

if it doesn’t work, don’t be afraid of sounding less polite

1В IВ think we need toВ face reality: This is aВ problem.