The alignment conversation

Leaders must lay out clear expectations for their team, even if it means some heavy conversations. 

Let’s call them alignment conversations…aligning your expectations and your team members’ behavior. 

In his book 101 Tough Conversations to Have with Employees, Paul Falcone advises approaching these conversations with directness and honesty but without accusations that make people defensive. 

You don’t have to say “What you’re currently doing is wrong.” 

Instead say, “What you’re currently doing may not serve you under my leadership.”

See how that deflects the negative feeling of being called out but still signals your desire for people to change their behavior?

You can fear alignment conversations less if they’re not accusation conversations. 

For more tips on this topic, check out the 2 Minute Tip on handling difficult conversations.