Navigating Difficult Conversations

Quick reference

• 00:04 Welcome back.
• 00:05 In this lesson we're exploring a challenging the crucial aspect
• 00:08 of mentoring, Navigating Difficult Conversations.
• 00:12 But challenging doesn't mean impossible.
• 00:14 With guidance and practice you'll be able to confidently handle any situation.
• 00:19 Every mentoring relationship, like any other relationship,
• 00:23 can face its own challenges.
• 00:25 These can include mismatched expectations, disagreement on goals,
• 00:30 differing communication styles, or feedback that's tough to swallow.
• 00:35 To handle a difficult conversation effectively, plan it out first.
• 00:39 Identify what the issue is, what outcome you want, and how you'll approach it.
• 00:45 Remember, the aim here isn't to blame, but to improve the situation.
• 00:51 Don't lose sight of empathy in these moments.
• 00:54 Try understanding the other person's viewpoint.
• 00:56 Showing an empathetic attitude can promote an open, calm dialogue.
• 01:02 When initiating this conversation, always be constructive.
• 01:05 Start with positivity, then address the issue at hand,
• 01:10 followed by a practical solution on how things could be improved.
• 01:14 For example, when approaching your mentor, you could say, hey,
• 01:18 I really appreciate all the extra projects you've thrown my way to help me better
• 01:23 understand our development platform.
• 01:25 I would appreciate it though, if you could provide me with better feedback because
• 01:29 I'm not exactly sure if I'm hitting the goals that we want.
• 01:32 Would it help if I came to you with my work sooner?
• 01:36 This approach keeps the focus on solutions rather than problems.
• 01:40 You start with the positive and then address the issue you're dealing with.
• 01:44 And by offering a solution, it's clear you want to help, not blame anyone.
• 01:50 And don't forget to practice active listening,
• 01:52 like we discussed in an earlier lesson.
• 01:54 When the other person responds or asks questions of their own,
• 01:58 be open to their perspective.
• 01:59 Consider the challenges they're facing, that maybe you're not aware of.
• 02:04 For example, you might find yourself in a situation where your mentee
• 02:08 hasn't responded to you or completed the projects you've given them.
• 02:13 Reach out to them in a supportive way.
• 02:16 Hey, I just want to check in with you, are you doing all right?
• 02:19 I'm here to help, just let me know.
• 02:22 They may reveal they're struggling to keep up and having doubts about their skills
• 02:27 and maybe they haven't reached out to you because they feel embarrassed about it.
• 02:32 Use active listening during these challenging conversations as
• 02:36 an opportunity for you to be helpful, responsive, and flexible.
• 02:40 If you can understand why issues have arisen, it's easier for
• 02:45 you to help address them.
• 02:47 And end the conversation in a respectful manner.
• 02:50 Acknowledge the other person's efforts and their intent to improve.
• 02:55 Maintaining a positive interaction after a difficult conversation lays
• 03:00 the groundwork for continued respectful communication.
• 03:04 Sometimes difficult conversations may need to be revisited, and that's okay.
• 03:10 They might feel challenging at first, but over time, they can lead
• 03:14 to stronger relationships and significant personal and professional growth.
• 03:18 The alternative would be to not address the difficult issues and
• 03:23 that will most certainly lead to resentment, doubt,
• 03:27 and a relationship breakdown.
• 03:30 So, with the tips we've covered here, do your best and
• 03:34 know that a positive outcome can be reached.
• 03:38 In our next lesson, we're going to address a different kind of challenge,
• 03:42 how to navigate a mentoring relationship remotely.
• 03:45 We'll see you then.

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