One question I get on a daily basis from supervisors and managers is “what do I say?”
The context is usually in relation to addressing a struggling employee.
To start, use these three keys of the Do’s and Don’ts as a starting point:
1st – Set the environment
-Don’t confront them in front of their peers.
-Do speak to them in private, and create a space for them to open up.
2nd – Set the tone
-Don’t say, “Do you know what you are doing wrong?”
-Do say, “What about this project has become boring or challenging?”
3rd – Set them up for the solution
Don’t say, “Why are you struggling with this project?”
Do say, “What resources can I provide that would help you with your project?”
Using these three keys shifts your conversation from personal attack, to powerful solutions.