A difficult but necessary part of a manager’s duty includes having difficult conversations. Here are some tips for having those conversations in a respectful, clear manner.

• Prepare for the tough questions. If communicating a freeze on raises, for example, anticipate the frank, pointed questions an employee may have and be prepared with a proper response.
• Be honest, but don’t betray private information. If communicating an increase in health benefit costs, for example, don’t say that a certain demographic of people are the cause for the increases.
• Really listen. If an employee voices concerns, listen to them. Don’t become defensive and close yourself to feedback. These are conversations; not one-sided speeches.
• Document. Especially in the case of performance or disciplinary feedback, it is important to document the conversation and get the employee’s signature.

For coaching on how to handle specific topics, call Nextep‘s HR Department at 888-811-5150 or email hr@nextep.com.