Having a hard discussion

Step 1 of 8

PLAN

What outcome do you want. What might they want. Check facts/ drop assumptions. Make sure you’re in the right frame of mind.

Step 2 of 8

ORGANISE

Don’t just drop the discussion on them. “ I’d like to catch up and discuss xxxx with you after lunch please” Let’s them think about it.

Step 3 of 8

ASK

“I want to discuss xxxxx “I’m interested in why you did/ or how you saw that…..

Step 4 of 8

LISTEN Just let them talk and don’t interrupt! Make sure you understand what they are saying.

Listen totally with eye contact and keep neutral body language. This shows you’re engaged.

Step 5 of 8

CLARIFY Summarise back to them what they said. This ensures you understand what they did/ saw and shows them you give a shit and actually took on board their perspective.

Step 6 of 8

ASK

“ can I give you my perspective/ how I would have approached it. Here explain the why and sell to them what’s in it for them if they’d done it this way. Sell them the buy in.

Step 7 of 8

DISCUSS

Discuss and solve together. You both have to come to the outcome. Remember the problem might be yours as you may have not explained the task correctly or they may not have the tools / training to do it.

Step 8 of 8

AGREE

Agree to a way forward