The Manager’s Compass

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How to Have Difficult Conversations with Employees: A 6-Step Framework for New Managers
Management Tools Catherine Insler Management Tools Catherine Insler

How to Have Difficult Conversations with Employees: A 6-Step Framework for New Managers

Most managers avoid difficult conversations until they become impossible to ignore. Whether it’s addressing missed deadlines, performance issues, or team conflicts, these conversations feel heavy and unpredictable. But here’s what most leadership training gets wrong: difficult conversations aren’t about being tough—they’re about having a clear framework when the territory gets messy. Learn the 6-step method that transforms confrontations into productive dialogues.

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