It’s day 9 of my F.O.O.D. Advent Calendar and I’m sharing my RECIPE to help you manage those sensitive discussions. It’s good to use with the TEAPOT technique from yesterday!

We are very good at having avoidance tactics in place when it’s time to have a sensitive discussion.  One way I find helps is by reframing the discussion.  Don’t think of it as a difficult conversation, think of it as looking for solutions.

Remember to be human.  Recognise your own feelings and be empathic.  Behaviour does breed behaviour

Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions and beliefs.  It’s important that you’re both on the same page

Focus on the issue not the person as it’s usually when we focus on the latter that we inflame emotions

In your preparation, make sure you have thought about different problem solving techniques that will help you achieve the right results.

And finally make sure you choose the right environment.  I know it’s more difficult in an online world, but you may want to bear this in mind when you’re setting up the meeting.