{"id":3000077077,"date":"2025-01-13T14:40:56","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T19:40:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/?p=3000077077"},"modified":"2026-02-13T09:05:58","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T14:05:58","slug":"how-to-handle-hard-conversations-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wework.com\/ideas\/growth-innovation\/how-to-handle-hard-conversations-at-work","title":{"rendered":"How to handle hard conversations at work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It is a widely acknowledged truth that the only way for a hard conversation to be even harder is for it to happen at work. The other well-known truth is that some tough conversations at work must happen whether we like it or not.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might be a manager discussing performance with an employee, an HR agent trying to break unfortunate news, or the average worker having to sort problems out with a colleague<\/a>. Regardless of your situation or position within the workplace, you might find yourself needing to but not knowing how to have difficult conversations\u2014and that is stressful, to say the least. The good news is, it doesn\u2019t have to be that way, and we will show you how.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Chicago-Lifestyle\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Set the scene <\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    In difficult situations, humans tend to be overcome with emotion<\/a>. A tough conversation is one such difficult situation, so the first thing you have to think about is how to create the space for that emotion to be contained. Don\u2019t just pull your chair closer to the other person\u2019s desk\u2014announce the meeting and its purpose, then book a meeting room or other similar private space where you can talk without interruptions or rush. This will create a safe space where both participants are aware of the situation and can speak their minds.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pro Tip:<\/strong> For extra comfort, suggest getting a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of water. Taking little sips and having a material object to hold onto can ease nervousness and take away some of the rigid atmosphere of the professional environment. \u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n