As year-end reviews approach, handling tough workplace conversations effectively becomes pivotal for team morale.
- Dr. Ryne Sherman from Hogan Assessments shares strategies to deliver tough feedback constructively.
- Active listening is essential for trust-building and understanding during performance reviews.
- Avoiding conversational derailments helps keep difficult discussions on track.
- Providing a clear path forward ensures employees are guided towards improvement and empowerment.
With the end of the year on the horizon, managers are gearing up for pivotal performance reviews. These conversations, while tough, are crucial for maintaining team morale. Dr. Ryne Sherman, Chief Science Officer at Hogan Assessments, offers insights on handling such discussions with a blend of honesty and empathy. His guidance revolves around three key strategies: active listening, avoiding conversational derailments, and creating a clear path forward.
The first strategy, active listening, is more than just hearing words. It involves understanding the intent behind what is being said. Dr. Sherman notes, “Active listening is the key to understanding. Leaders who genuinely listen to their employees show they value their team’s input and concerns, creating a foundation of trust.” By establishing trust, managers can more effectively address performance issues and find constructive solutions.
The second strategy focuses on avoiding derailments. During challenging conversations, there’s a tendency for discussions to stray off course, especially when delivering negative feedback. Managers should foster an open environment, free from distractions, to prevent this. Dr. Sherman advises handling resistance with curiosity instead of defensiveness to achieve constructive results. “When employees receive critical feedback,” Dr. Sherman explains, “resistance is a natural, human response.” Addressing this appropriately can bridge the gap between how employees see themselves and how others perceive them, leading to positive outcomes.
Finally, creating a clear path forward after delivering feedback is essential for improvement. Providing a meaningful direction helps employees understand expectations and leverage their strengths. Dr. Sherman points out, “Change is more easily experienced in a safe, listening atmosphere.” A well-articulated plan empowers employees, enhances trust, and bolsters engagement.
Handling tough conversations with these strategies can strengthen team dynamics and foster an environment of growth.
