There is no magic formula to having tough discussions about performance, but it is possible to make them less daunting.
In conflict-averse cultures, such as Australia, most leaders avoid having difficult conversations for as long as possible and grapple with how to best to talk to employees about performance. These discussions need not to be viewed in a negative light, but an opportunity to help develop someone's career.
There are two types of difficult conversations, and it is critical for leaders to understand which one they are having. Australian Financial Review features Business School HR expert Professor Charmine Hartel shares the types of difficult conversations at work and some tips and advice for how to conduct them.
