Tough Talk for Tough Times!

There is no denying that we're in tough times. Many managers and business owners are so stressed that they’re neglecting the basics. They’re so busy keeping the doors open that they risk losing connection with their people…and that’s bad for business!

I believe that there are five Critical Conversations that every manager or business owner must have to keep people productive and effective under recessionary stress.

1. “Keep up the good work!”
Your best performers still need attention, particularly when you are relying on them to deliver the goods in a tighter market-place. If they feel unloved and unappreciated, they may go elsewhere.

2. “I’ve noticed the improvement.”
For your staff members who are doing better than they were. Be careful not to put them off, though, with your corrections.

3. “You’ve dropped the ball.”
One of your good performers has fallen off the pace. You need to get them back up to their usual high delivery levels without creating a negative backlash from your correction.

4. “Conflict is counter-productive.”
When times are tough, as they are now, there is no spare energy for on-going conflict between individuals or teams.

5. “Shape up or ship out!”
Your team member needs to either decide to rejoin the team and change their behaviour and their results or you’ll help them make the decision that they are no longer part of the team.

So, which of these five are missing from your armoury? Which will make the biggest difference to your team's output...starting now?