1 00:00:00,510 --> 00:00:02,850 Mustering up the courage to have a tough conversation 2 00:00:02,850 --> 00:00:04,860 with your manager can be nerve wracking. 3 00:00:04,860 --> 00:00:06,660 Whether you want to ask for a raise, 4 00:00:06,660 --> 00:00:09,630 discuss a poor performance evaluation, or an important issue 5 00:00:09,630 --> 00:00:10,740 with a co-worker, 6 00:00:10,740 --> 00:00:12,397 your manager isn't a mind reader. 7 00:00:12,397 --> 00:00:13,980 So it's probably going to be up to you 8 00:00:13,980 --> 00:00:16,393 to initiate that difficult conversation. 9 00:00:16,393 --> 00:00:18,810 Here are five tips to help you get through that tough talk 10 00:00:18,810 --> 00:00:20,130 with your manager. 11 00:00:20,130 --> 00:00:22,680 Make sure to have a clear plan, purpose, and agenda 12 00:00:22,680 --> 00:00:24,250 before you meet. What issue 13 00:00:24,250 --> 00:00:25,380 do you need to address? 14 00:00:25,380 --> 00:00:27,480 What might a resolution look like for you? 15 00:00:27,480 --> 00:00:30,450 As you reflect, take time to adopt a bird's eye perspective 16 00:00:30,450 --> 00:00:32,520 and consider the opposing point of view. 17 00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:35,310 If it's helpful for you to jot down an outline, do so. 18 00:00:35,310 --> 00:00:38,070 You can also try rehearsing your conversation with a trusted 19 00:00:38,070 --> 00:00:40,860 confidante. Whether or not you used an outline, 20 00:00:40,860 --> 00:00:43,260 focus on key points during your conversation. 21 00:00:43,260 --> 00:00:45,870 This is not the time to go off on tangents. 22 00:00:45,870 --> 00:00:48,570 By all means, tell your story, but bring facts 23 00:00:48,570 --> 00:00:50,160 and present your case objectively. 24 00:00:50,160 --> 00:00:52,440 Don't be critical or condescending. 25 00:00:52,440 --> 00:00:54,730 If you want to discuss a poor performance evaluation 26 00:00:54,730 --> 00:00:57,270 for example: "Why did you mark my performance 27 00:00:57,270 --> 00:00:59,550 as below expectations this quarter? 28 00:00:59,550 --> 00:01:01,500 I did everything I was asked to do. 29 00:01:01,500 --> 00:01:03,690 I think you were just too focused on your own issues 30 00:01:03,690 --> 00:01:06,240 to notice the value I bring to this company." 31 00:01:06,240 --> 00:01:08,880 "I was disappointed to read that my performance this quarter 32 00:01:08,880 --> 00:01:11,040 was below expectations. 33 00:01:11,040 --> 00:01:13,440 Could I share with you now some accomplishments 34 00:01:13,440 --> 00:01:15,600 that I couldn't address in the evaluation 35 00:01:15,600 --> 00:01:17,460 and that you might not be aware of? 36 00:01:17,460 --> 00:01:20,070 I'm hoping that if I present you with some new information 37 00:01:20,070 --> 00:01:23,100 we might be able to adjust the evaluation. Regardless, 38 00:01:23,100 --> 00:01:26,100 any advice you have for me would be much appreciated." 39 00:01:26,100 --> 00:01:27,990 Which brings us to the next point. 40 00:01:27,990 --> 00:01:29,790 Remember that this is a conversation 41 00:01:29,790 --> 00:01:31,620 and to ask for your manager's feedback. 42 00:01:31,620 --> 00:01:34,860 Really listen and be receptive to what she has to say. 43 00:01:34,860 --> 00:01:36,517 Remain calm and be professional. 44 00:01:36,517 --> 00:01:38,350 Odds are your manager wants the best for you 45 00:01:38,350 --> 00:01:40,428 and your company. During your conversation 46 00:01:40,428 --> 00:01:41,970 if you notice you're becoming anxious, 47 00:01:41,970 --> 00:01:44,640 defensive, or discouraged recenter yourself and remember 48 00:01:44,640 --> 00:01:47,430 to breathe. By being prepared, 49 00:01:47,430 --> 00:01:50,550 focused, objective, perceptive, and professional 50 00:01:50,550 --> 00:01:52,230 you'll be putting your best foot forward 51 00:01:52,230 --> 00:01:53,730 and your manager will be open minded 52 00:01:53,730 --> 00:01:56,160 to hearing your point of view. No matter the outcome, 53 00:01:56,160 --> 00:01:58,800 you should be proud of yourself for initiating and successfully 54 00:01:58,800 --> 00:02:01,790 handling a tricky conversation.