The Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcast: Tough Conversations #16

Tough Conversations #16

Sep 27, 2015

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Overview of Episode #16:

Hear Cobb EMC's Director of Talent Management Ron Younker and I talk about how to have those tough conversations. Ron brings real world insight and fresh ideas from his 30+ years of experience.

We cover:

How to Hold Those Tough Conversations
The Power and Simplicity of Holding ‘How’s it Going?’ Meetings…
Performance Management Litmus Test: Four Questions to Ask Employees
A Bright Idea: Peer Mentoring for Growth and Support for Leaders
Biggest Struggles for Leaders in the Area of Performance Management
One Thing You Should Always Do When Having Tough Conversations

Timing on Recording: @ 4:44---

Topic #1: Ron Younker's Background and How to Hold Those Tough Conversations

Will often have “constructive tension”
Create safety
Describe the behaviors - Use the litmus test of “Did I hear it, did I see it?”
Ask the person what s/he thinks
Listen actively
Remember: having the conversation is a gift you are giving the employee
Be sure to remember to recognize people for great work. (Gallup Research)
Match the recognition to the person. (DISC Styles overview video here.)
Breaking down development: 70% is through experience, 20% comes from mentoring and coaching, 10% training
Help employees move through problems/experiences or pair them up with a mentor, don’t just throw people into training.

Timing on Recording: @ 32:40 ---

Topic #2: The Power and Simplicity of Holding ‘How’s it Going?’ Meetings…

Scheduled meetings with employees to stay in touch – make them a regular expectation.
Used to stay in tune with employees – what hurdles they are facing.
Hold more of these if you are in an active coaching situation – meet weekly. But if there are no real issues you can meet every 2-3 weeks.
Let them start…
Usually 30-45 minutes long.
Always asking, at the end, “What can I do?"
Leadership is about enabling people to get their work done.

Timing on Recording: @ 36:36 ---

Topic #3: Performance Management Litmus Test: Four Questions to Ask Employees

1) What are the objectives you are trying to achieve?
2) What are the behaviors and values your department is focused on?
3) How are you doing?
4) What are you doing to get better?

Timing on Recording: @ 44:10 ---

Topic #4: A Bright Idea: Peer Mentoring for Growth and Support for Leaders

Create a “Board” of 2-3 peer leaders.
Consider these folks as your accountability partners.
Confidential discussions.Talk about real issues and challenges and sharing of best practices.
This helps develop a common mindset among all of your leaders.
A lot of companies keep safety at the forefront of their work. We hold meetings about safety every week and month. There is a continuous dialogue. As leaders we ought to doing the same thing so that it all stays fresh so that we’re sharing best practices and always learning.

Timing on Recording: @ 50:15 ---

Topic #5: Biggest Struggles for Leaders in the Area of Performance Management

Letting problems fester by turning our heads - do not have the courage to have the conversation – must display courage.
Must realize that having the conversation is a gift you are giving that employee.
Let wise people who’ve done it before – show you how to do it.

Timing on Recording: @ 53:53 ---

Topic #6: One Thing You Should Always Do When Having Tough Conversations

Take great notes.
--- Write out the conversation in advance – this will help you have the courage.
--- Create thoughtful notes for recognition and development.
--- Demonstrates respect.

Timing on Recording: @ 58:30 ---

Topic #7: Final Notes and Recommended Resources

The Annual Review discussion should never be a surprise.
The role of the leader – developing employees should be near the top, along with getting stellar results.
Center for Creative Leadership
Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High - Click this link and get a free audio book download with a 30 day trial by using Suzie’s affiliate link: www.pricelessprofessional.com/audible

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Related Wake Up Eager Workforce Podcasts:
Being a Best Boss - An Interview with VPHR Dr. Randy Reece

August 2015 Newsletter - The Three Step R.E.V. Performance Process

Train/Coach Corporate Leadership Training Programs

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