On Binghamton University Week: We all have to have difficult conversations at work. How do we handle them best?

Danielle Dunne, associate professor in the School of Management, discusses.

Danielle Dunne is an Associate Professor in the School of Management at Binghamton University whose research explores leadership emergence, team dynamics, and workplace communication strategies.

Tough conversations happen in workplace settings each and every day, BUT those discussions don’t have to turn into a disaster.

Myself and a team of researchers wanted to look at the dynamics of difficult conversations. We studied more than 160 “difficult conversations” which took place in the IT and corporate HR divisions of a large healthcare organization. Many of these consisted of employees voicing concerns, and leaders advising employees.

Our biggest finding was that successful conversations create a shared reality for those involved – a sense on both sides of mutual understanding. This aligns both people, making them feel heard and understood.

So how do those involved get to that point? We found that when leaders used specific communication strategies in difficult conversations such as discussing the problem, providing support and maintaining an authentic, focused and socially appropriate tone, that they were able to create a shared reality and that the people they were working with felt validated.

Building this through healthy conversation is key for the employee-supervisor relationship. Having a solid foundation helps leaders seem more human and easily approachable. It also helps difficult moments be seen less as stressful situations, and more as learning and relationship building opportunities.

The traditional advice of “staying positive and avoiding negative thoughts” may not accomplish what leaders hope.. Our research suggests that negative emotions, when expressed constructively, can strengthen working relationships.

Whether you are in charge of a group of people, or someone who is part of the team, navigating tricky conversations can help create a more positive workplace.

Read More:[Binghamton] – What’s the best way to handle difficult conversations? New study recommends strategies

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