Communication strategies will be the topic for the next few posts. You will find case scenarios taken from recent Be Direct with Respect® workshops.
The following Topics will be covered:
- How to have a tough conversation with a direct report who brings problems from home to work
- Starting a direct conversation about mediocrity
- How negativity lowers morale
Read last week’s article on Communication Strategies to Use with Someone Who Brings Problems from Home to Work HERE
Have you dealt with any of the following issues?
- A direct report who brings issues from home to work and you don’t know what to say.
- You don’t know how to set boundaries with a stressed-out colleague. You want to be supportive and you have deadlines to meet.
This article has 2 communication strategies to help you support a friend, colleague or direct report.
Communication Strategy #1: Make the conversation safe
Make the conversation safe by starting it out with I do want – I don’t want.
Here are a few examples:
I don’t want to overstep my boundaries.
I do want to make sure that you are ok.
I don’t want to push you over the edge.
I do want to suggest getting support during this challenging time for you.
I do want you to know that I’m here for you.
I don’t want to leave this unsaid.
You will be reading about this strategy again in the next two articles. You may be asking yourself, “Joyce why are you repeating this strategy?” The reason – it works! You can make your conversations safe by using this strategy. You can also change the words around by using I don’t want at the beginning or start out with I do want. Everyone’s comfort level is different.
Communication Strategy #2: Use Be Direct with Respect®
Be direct with respect®
- Allows you to be direct in a respectful way
- Is truth with heart
- Creates a win/win situation
- Respects yourself and others
I am ___________________
(Your emotional response)
When I __________________
(Non-judgmental)
Because __________________
(How it affects you)
I am concerned about your state of mine when I see you withdrawn and irritated because I want the best for you and for us to be at our best as a team.
I am concerned when I see your home issues affecting your work because it impacts your performance and the entire team.
These 2 communication strategies will give you a plan on how to approach this delicate subject with someone who may need some support while you need to set boundaries. Find more communication strategies in the search option of this blog.
I want to hear from you
Add a comment to my blog on how you have helped a stressed-out colleague or direct report. Let me know what other communication or conflict resolution topics you want me to write about to fit your specific needs. You will receive a response from me because I enjoy connecting with my readers! You are always welcome to send me a private email HERE with concerns that you are experiencing at work.
Please share this and any article that speaks to you or your company
Loyal readers like you help us find more people who could benefit from these posts. Help us help them reduce conflict and improve leadership skills and quality of life.
Would you like to explore how our coaching online program Communication Skills at Work could help you advance your career or address bullying? Read more on how you can become a master communicator HERE.
We can set up a FREE laser-focused 30-minute phone coaching session to see if the course is right for you.
Send me an email to set up our session HERE.
This is Joyce Weiss
Corporate Communication Strategist and Career Coach
Have a great week.
Until next time, Remember…”You Get What You Tolerate!”
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