Connecting with a difficult leader or manager can be nerve-wracking for lower-level employees. When an employee has constructive feedback they feel compelled to share with their direct support, the fear of feeling awkward doing so, or worse—having their thoughts misconstrued or being retaliated against—can become so overwhelming that they opt to just keep it to themselves, which doesn’t benefit anyone.
It’s important for employees to understand how to deliver essential critique to help their managers improve. Here, 15 members of Forbes Coaches Council share the most effective ways they know to do just that.
15. Keep The Conversation Objective
Keep the conversation objective and focused on the facts. A neutral starting point is to ask yourself, “What do I need to be more effective in my job?” How can the leader change to help you more? Avoid making comparisons to others or bringing up what you have heard others say. What do you, personally, need from your leader? It might be more timeline guidance or more communication about strategy, for example. – Kristy Busija, Next Conversation Coaching, LLC