Dealing with stressful conversations is never easy; whether you’re telling a client the project is delayed or relaying a bad performance review to a team member. But as managers, we can’t just avoid these conversations.
Putting them off may protect us from our vulnerabilities, but they actually get in the way of having authentic and productive conversations with our teams.
So, how do we navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a stressful conversation? How do we make sure they actually lead to something positive? Today’s guest will walk us through how we can engage in difficult conversations most productively.
Joining me today is Candice Elliott. Candice is a Fractional CHRO and HR Mentor for business and non-profit leaders. She focuses on the intersection of public health, organizational and community development, helping leaders foster cultures of healing where they and their teams can thrive.
In this episode, Candice walks us through the four Fs of stress responses. She also discusses the importance of creating a safe work environment through trust and relationship-building, plus helpful physical techniques to release stress and much more.
Join the conversation now!
Conversation Topics
- (00:00) Intro
- (01:58) The four Fs of stress responses
- (05:43) Helpful tips to keep your stress response from sabotaging your conversations
- (08:48) Is taking a break advisable when in a stressful conversation?
- (13:06) What does a freeze response look like, and how to manage it?
- (18:16) The importance of building trust and meaningful relationships
- (24:17) Physical techniques to release stress
- (25:06) A great manager Candice has worked for
- (26:21) Keep up with Candice
- (27:32) [Extended Episode Only] What to do when someone you’re speaking with becomes defensive?
- (34:57) [Extended Episode Only] How to handle difficult conversations in a team setting
Additional Resources:
- Read the full transcript
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here - Visit my website for more
here- Build your team’s skills
here
Keep up with Candice Elliott
- Visit her website for more information
here
Free 45-Minute Burnout Buster Consult
Candice is offering members of Podcast+ a free Burnout Buster Consult. During this 45-minute session, you’ll identify the most impactful next step you can take toward preventing burnout for you and your team.
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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive, and great work gets done.
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What is The Modern Manager?
Host Mamie Kanfer Stewart shares practical approaches to help you be a great manager. Learn more at: https://themodernmanager.com/
Solo episodes are like mini-courses, providing actionable tips based on experience and research. Guest episodes are engaging conversations that elicit insights and suggestions for how to apply the ideas.
Learn more about effective meeting practices, communication skills, managing conflict, team building, time management, group dynamics, goal setting and accountability, team competencies, productivity and collaboration technologies, organizational culture, and more.
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