How to have a hard conversation

919. When your team keeps missing its goals, is it a people problem or a process problem? Most leaders assume it’s the people. After 20 years inside organizations, Rodney Evans rarely buys it. The CEO of The Ready joins host Rachel Cooke to explain why people respond rationally t ...  Show more

918. You need to open a meeting, and the usual icebreaker makes everyone cringe. Chosen with intention, a warmup does real work by warming up the exact muscles a team needs for the job in front of it. Rachel Cooke shares five of her favorites, from reflection cards to a Would You ...  Show more

A leader, initially described to his coach as clueless, confronts a hard truth about himself. In the process, he gains a four-step tool to guide him through tough conversations. Core Concepts in this episode: To convey a tough message and maintain a positive relationship: 1. Star ...  Show more

Are you dreading a work discussion? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Leslie John, a professor at Harvard Business School. They talk through what to do when you need to set your boss straight, meet with a direct report who wanted your new job, or hash things o ...  Show more

Need to have a difficult conversation, but you're not sure what to say or how to say it? In this episode, I’m revealing 3 simple steps to confidently approach your next hard conversation. I'll guide you through the exact words to use, how to maintain your composure, and make su ...  Show more