{"id":2256,"date":"2020-05-11T13:20:31","date_gmt":"2020-05-11T13:20:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/?p=2256"},"modified":"2024-03-06T10:11:29","modified_gmt":"2024-03-06T10:11:29","slug":"crucial-conversations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpblog.indigobusiness.co.uk\/crucial-conversations\/","title":{"rendered":"Crucial conversations"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Gilly Meek, Accredited Think on Your Feet\u00ae Trainer<\/strong><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

\"\"There are times in our career when we all have to have difficult conversations. As Managers, we may need to have a conversation with a team member to discuss a required behavioural change; the need to work from home; or be furloughed. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

These types of conversations are inevitable and necessary. However, they can sometimes feel very uncomfortable. Especially if we\u2019ve little or no time to plan what we are going to say. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Trying to communicate sensitive messages, is not only difficult to phrase, but it can also cause an emotional response from them (and potentially you too!) \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

A lot of Managers choose to avoid these difficult conversations; however, this is not a good choice. You won\u2019t see the desired behavioural change, if you don\u2019t have the conversation! \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Getting your message across<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

So, how can you make conversations easier to have and how can you make sure you get your message across clearly? \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Think on Your Feet\u00ae<\/strong><\/a> techniques (called \u2018Plans\u2019) are the most powerful tool to use.\u00a0 They ensure that you have a clear and brief message, that is delivered in a calm and considered fashion. They also ensure that you don\u2019t \u201cramble\u201d which is what can often happen when we are anxious or emotional. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

How does this work? <\/strong> \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

Think on Your Feet\u00ae<\/strong> shows you how to package your message around three key points.\u00a0 This gives you an agenda for what you are going to say and helps you to stay focused. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

So, for example, if you are talking to a team member about a desired behavioural change, you could talk about:<\/p>\r\n

    \r\n
  1. The existing behaviour<\/li>\r\n
  2. The impact of that behaviour<\/li>\r\n
  3. The alternative\/new behaviour<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

     <\/p>\r\n

    Or, you could talk about:<\/p>\r\n

      \r\n
    1. What\u2019s going well with their performance<\/li>\r\n
    2. A behavioural change to work on<\/li>\r\n
    3. Support you can offer them in making the change<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

       <\/p>\r\n

      And even:<\/p>\r\n

        \r\n
      1. Where they were a few months ago<\/li>\r\n
      2. Where they are now<\/li>\r\n
      3. What you would like to see from them in a few months<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

         <\/p>\r\n

        There are no set rules on what your three \u2018things\u2019 are, as such. The idea is that you lay out the three things you are going to talk about, and then talk about them. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

        By delivering your communication around three key points, it makes it much easier for your listener to follow and remember what you are saying – and for you to stay on track. This will help a great deal when having a conversation where you are at risk of emotions running high. \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

        Six main Plans and three support Plans<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

        Think on Your Feet\u00ae provides you with six main plans and three support plans, with plenty of time to learn and practice them. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n

        Online and face-to-face Think on Your Feet\u00ae workshops<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

        Indigo offer Think on Your Feet\u00ae<\/a> workshops online and face-to-face for individuals and teams:<\/p>\r\n