Sometimes, one-on-one conversations between managers and employees cover sensitive topics that can bring up a lot of emotions for employees, whether they are receiving constructive criticism or need to discuss a problem that is affecting their productivity, performance, or morale with their manager.
When emotions run high, it is crucial for managers to take the right steps to ensure conversations are productive by creating a safe and supportive space for open and honest communication.
In the article at the link below, 18 of my Forbes Coaches Council peers discuss proactive approaches managers can use to foster emotional intelligence and psychological safety in the workplace, leading to healthier employee-manager relationships and higher performance and job satisfaction.
My advice?
The first step a manager should take is to intentionally pause, take a deep breath and then assess if this is the right time to continue this conversation. Is it a time-sensitive issue that must be addressed now, or can it wait until both parties are given time to prepare? Giving people time to collect their thoughts and emotions, whenever possible, is the key to having the best conversations.
