1. Difficult Conversation: You Smell and People Don’t Like You

2. Agenda Prepare and Anticipate
5 Steps of the Wily Manager Coaching Model
3 Things to remember

3. Prepare and Anticipate
Script what you’re going to say in advance
Prepare concrete examples, or observable behaviours
Anticipate possible responses
Ensure you understand any legal ramifications

4. Wily Manager Coaching Model

5. Context Tell the person right away what you are there to talk about
Dispense with normal superficial pleasantries
Why it is important
What the impact is on others

6. Clarify Explain, but do not defend
Have specific examples or observable behaviours
Do not get dragged into parallel issues
Stay focused on the issue at hand

7. Create Figure out what the person will do differently going forward
Engage the person in a discussion of what is to happen next.
In some cases, you will ask for feedback, in others you need to tell them how it is
Agree on specific actions or behaviours with time frames attached

8. Commit
Have the other person articulate exactly what they are going to do differently
Use measurable terms wherever possible
What will happen by when
Document the commitment, and agree on a time for follow up

9. Close
Express you confidence in the other person’s ability to make the change required.
Reinforce what you will do to support them in this change
Test that you have been understood

10. 3 things
Get your ahead around the fact this is going to be uncomfortable. Preparation can reduce but not eliminate discomfort
Do not avoid tough talks – it will only fester and get worse
Be Prepared