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How to Start a Challenging Conversation

Are you facing a management issue that requires having a tough chat with an employee or colleague. Coach Bonnie Bonadeo taps into the Communication Qube to help you get started.

by Bonnie Bonadeo
February 22, 2024
How to Start a Challenging Conversation

 

2 min to read


Bonnie Bonadeo is a speaker, coach, author and podcaster. She is the founder of Bonnie Bonadeo Coaching and Training, SOS Salon Coaching, BEaUty Inside & Out Coaching and the Brand Me Marketing Agency.

The following is an except from SALON TODAY's Coaches, Consultants and Business Resources Directory. Visit it for more helpful business guidance and to learn more about Bonnie Bonadeo and other beauty business experts.

As a coach, speaker, trainer, author and podcaster, effective communication is the number one tool in my toolbox. No matter the conversation I’m having with my coaching clients, we always circle back on the best way to manage a difficult conversation. Examples of this conversation could include if you want to change a policy, introduce a new customer experience, need to address an employee issue or discuss a culture or brand issue at a team meeting.

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Often, the challenge is how to start or where to begin. I share my coaching process, The Communication Qube™, as a framework for breakthrough dialogues and creative problem-solving.

Start with the end in mind. What is the ultimate outcome you aim for, and what is the possibility that it will align with your values?

The next step is to emotionally connect and have empathy for the person or circumstance. Create a foundation of understanding by sharing a story. 

Then provide the technical process and details or give them a voice to problem-solve it themselves.

Follow that by engaging in social connection for the buy-in. For example, how can they make their life easier or make more money?

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Finally, cement the strategy to be implemented. For more, visit communicationqube.com

Like learning any new technique, excellent communication skills also can be learned. This process is effective for all leadership and provider/client communications. I challenge you to try it out.


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