I return to this subject in the blog countless times because it's one of the most important aspects of having a job of any sort of seniority and any sort of responsibility. You must be prepared to be the one who will have a difficult conversation.
So, yet again today, I had to have a difficult conversation.
I had to let someone go.
They are the most difficult conversations.
It wasn't someone who works with us permanently or has worked with us on a day to day basis, it was like an external contractor working in the construction industry but we've worked with the individual over the last six years, and it's quite clear that we shouldn't work with them anymore.
They attended the practice to have a conversation about ongoing work, only to find out that that wasn't the conversation.
But the important thing about difficult conversations is that there are two sides: the giver and the receiver.
On many occasions in my work, I have to be the giver but I have been the receiver on many, many, many occasions.
What I've learned here is that it's best to be the same in both seats; kindness, empathy, and dignity are all you need to give or receive.
I was a little bit anxious about this conversation because it's not very pleasant, but it's very interesting that the person received it in the way that I hope I would receive it. In fact, they said to me, "I can see this is obviously difficult for you; please don't worry."
That's how I received it when I was last given the sack, and I hope that's how I'll receive it when I'm given the sack again.
Difficult conversations are difficult, but it's probably best to remember they're difficult for everyone.
Blog Post Number - 3923
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