While coaching many top executives I have noticed that managers seeking “advice” are often just avoiding a confronting conversation. I remind them of some wisdom embedded in the development of our language.

Con is Latin for “with.” Con-front is to face something together, to move forward in unison.  Doesn’t that make confrontation more appealing? Appealing or not, it is a big part of every manager’s job.

Versare meant to turn or change, especially to open or close a door. In early English a con-versation meant talking with a person to make a change, to open some doors and close others. This also is a big part of managing.

Still, not everyone knows or remembers how to have these confronting conversations. Here is my step-by-step guide, for free: tiny.cc/toughtalk

 


 

See also, on this blog, step-by-step conversation instructions with video here:
The Conversation Contract.