DECEMBER 15, 2021 • VOL. 19 ISSUE 50

Hi John,

Our research shows that silence comes at a cost. Fear of speaking up takes a toll on morale, trust, even the bottom line. And speaking up poorly can be just as bad. How much are failed conversations costing you? Take our short survey to help us identify the impact of dialogue held poorly or not at all. Survey participants will be entered into a drawing to receive a $50 Amazon gift card.
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Speaking of Crucial Conversations, how do you have one with your boss? And should you? Today's Q&A article is practically a playbook on how to do just that.

In How Do I Say That? you'll find tips to control your emotions when angry, and check out our new assessment and accompanying ebook: The 7 Deadly Sins of Email. Which are you guilty of?

HOW TO HAVE A CRUCIAL CONVERSATION WITH YOUR BOSS

by Brittney Maxfield

My supervisor has been micromanaging employees, disclosing project information that shouldn’t be, and generally just overstepping communication boundaries. I have stopped sharing information with them for fear that they will share it too soon or in the wrong way. My question is this: How do I have a Crucial Conversation with my supervisor about this? I want to discuss the issue without disrespecting my supervisor or their position.

Signed,
Nervous

The sentiment that stood out to me the most about your question is your concern that approaching your supervisor with a Crucial Conversation is disrespectful to them or their role as a leader. You’re not alone in thinking or feeling this way.

Too often people make the tradeoff between saying something to their supervisor and simply stuffing their concerns for fear of being disrespectful or even out of line. But what you need to realize is that silence isn’t noble, it’s destructive. One of the most important principles taught in Crucial Conversations is that what you don’t talk out, you’ll act out.
CONTINUE READING

ARE YOUR EMAIL HABITS A VIRTUE OR VICE?

Studies show that the benefits of email come at a cost, impacting wellbeing and productivity. And yet knowledge workers spend 11 hours per week in their inboxes—more than 25% of their workweek!

How do your habits stack up? Does your inbox control you, or do you control your inbox? Take the assessment and find out.
TAKE ASSESSMENT
How Do I Say That?

HOW TO HAVE A CONVERSATION WHEN YOU'RE ANGRY

When emotions flare up during a Crucial Conversation, what can you do? Emily Gregory shares three tips.
WATCH
VIRTUAL

CRUCIAL CONVERSATIONS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY | JAN 10–14

Join us live online and learn how to manage performance, strengthen trust, get results and improve relationships.
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The best way out is always through.
 

—Robert Frost
 
 

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