Critical conversations are an inevitable part of our lives, both personally and professionally. And while they’re often necessary, they can make us want to run and hide in fear of things going truly pear shaped. 



However, as leaders, it’s our responsibility to have those difficult conversations when required - not only for the betterment of the individual, but the organisation as a whole. 



It’s from my own challenging experiences that I’ve come to realise that while we can’t control how others will react, we are in control of our own actions and the way in which we lead.



Today, I’m going to share with you my top tips for navigating critical conversations and creating the positive outcomes we aim to achieve from them.



GetPrepared

Giving someone feedback or constructive criticism can be challenging - especially if the person you’re dealing with gets emotional or defensive. In this scenario, things can go off track quickly if you’re not adequately prepared. I encourage you to write down what you’re wanting to say in order to stay on point and bring the conversation back to where it needs to be. Equip yourself with the tools to have a productive conversation, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of navigating it with confidence. 



Choose the Right Time and Place

I am a big believer of public praise and private criticism. Pulling someone up in a public setting is risky, and not entirely respectful to them. Rather, have the conversation privately - perhaps taking them out of the workplace and onto even ground. 



Additionally, be aware of when you’re asking to have the interaction. There’s nothing worse than grabbing someone at 5pm for a discussion when you’re both a little worn out. Ideally, schedule a time and place that suits you both. 



Actively Listen

Often, when we're in a critical conversation, we're so focused on getting our point across that we forget to truly listen to the other person. Active listening involves not just hearing the words but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. This means asking open-ended questions, reflecting back what you’ve heard, and validating the other person's feelings. By doing so, you demonstrate respect for their perspective, which can help de-escalate tension and foster mutual understanding.



Be Clear and Concise

Being direct yet respectful is key when you’re leading a critical conversation. Provide specific examples of what you are talking about, whether it’s around performance or behaviour, ensuring they’re relevant to the outcomes you want to achieve. I also recommend using "I" statements instead of "you" statements, focusing on how the actions affect you and others, rather than blaming the other person for their bad behaviour. 



Watch Your Language

It’s important to avoid using accusatory language when having a critical conversation. Rather than defaulting to “you did this” or “you did that”, try reframing things to be about what you’ve “observed”. Asking open-ended questions can completely change the dynamic, enabling the other person to think about their response, rather than react defensively. 



Remember, it’s natural for emotions to run high during a confronting interaction, but staying calm, respectful and in control can help keep the dialogue productive. 



Navigating critical conversations doesn’t have to be daunting, and I hope this episode provides you with the tools and confidence you need to approach your next one with more ease.



Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice”here

Connect with Julie:

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au

Critical conversations are an inevitable part of our lives, both personally and professionally. And while they’re often necessary, they can make us want to run and hide in fear of things going truly pear shaped. 
 
However, as leaders, it’s our responsibility to have those difficult conversations when required - not only for the betterment of the individual, but the organisation as a whole. 
 
It’s from my own challenging experiences that I’ve come to realise that while we can’t control how others will react, we are in control of our own actions and the way in which we lead.
 
Today, I’m going to share with you my top tips for navigating critical conversations and creating the positive outcomes we aim to achieve from them.
 
Get Prepared
Giving someone feedback or constructive criticism can be challenging - especially if the person you’re dealing with gets emotional or defensive. In this scenario, things can go off track quickly if you’re not adequately prepared. I encourage you to write down what you’re wanting to say in order to stay on point and bring the conversation back to where it needs to be. Equip yourself with the tools to have a productive conversation, and you’ll give yourself the best chance of navigating it with confidence. 
 
Choose the Right Time and Place
I am a big believer of public praise and private criticism. Pulling someone up in a public setting is risky, and not entirely respectful to them. Rather, have the conversation privately - perhaps taking them out of the workplace and onto even ground. 
 
Additionally, be aware of when you’re asking to have the interaction. There’s nothing worse than grabbing someone at 5pm for a discussion when you’re both a little worn out. Ideally, schedule a time and place that suits you both. 
 
Actively Listen
Often, when we're in a critical conversation, we're so focused on getting our point across that we forget to truly listen to the other person. Active listening involves not just hearing the words but also understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. This means asking open-ended questions, reflecting back what you’ve heard, and validating the other person's feelings. By doing so, you demonstrate respect for their perspective, which can help de-escalate tension and foster mutual understanding.
 
Be Clear and Concise
Being direct yet respectful is key when you’re leading a critical conversation. Provide specific examples of what you are talking about, whether it’s around performance or behaviour, ensuring they’re relevant to the outcomes you want to achieve. I also recommend using "I" statements instead of "you" statements, focusing on how the actions affect you and others, rather than blaming the other person for their bad behaviour. 
 
Watch Your Language
It’s important to avoid using accusatory language when having a critical conversation. Rather than defaulting to “you did this” or “you did that”, try reframing things to be about what you’ve “observed”. Asking open-ended questions can completely change the dynamic, enabling the other person to think about their response, rather than react defensively. 
 
Remember, it’s natural for emotions to run high during a confronting interaction, but staying calm, respectful and in control can help keep the dialogue productive. 
 
Navigating critical conversations doesn’t have to be daunting, and I hope this episode provides you with the tools and confidence you need to approach your next one with more ease.
 
Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice”<a href="https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/"> here</a> 
Connect with Julie:
LinkedIn:    <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/">@juliehydeleads</a>
Website:     <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au/">https://juliehyde.com.au</a>

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?

Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.

There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.

I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.

Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.

Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

A Podcast dedicated to business owners and leaders to inspire you to make it count

Leading You

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

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