How to Have Hard Conversations at Work (Without Burning Bridges)

💡SKILLS SPOTLIGHT
How to Have Hard Conversations at Work (Without Burning Bridges)

Let’s be real: tough conversations are part of every career. Whether it’s giving feedback, addressing conflict, or asking for accountability, these moments can feel like walking a tightrope.

But here’s the good news: directness and diplomacy can coexist.

When handled with clarity and care, hard conversations actually build trust and credibility—especially in STEM workplaces where precision and accountability matter.

Here’s a simple framework you can use the next time you need to speak up:
1️⃣Start with context.
Set the stage: “I want to talk about X because it impacts Y.” This shows you’re focused on outcomes, not personalities.
2️⃣Share observations, not assumptions.
Stick to what you’ve seen or measured: “I noticed the report was submitted two days late,” instead of “You’re always late.”
3️⃣Express impact.
Connect the dots: “When that happens, our testing timeline gets delayed.” This keeps the focus on shared goals.
4️⃣Invite dialogue.
Say: “Can you share what got in the way?” This keeps the conversation open instead of one-sided.
5️⃣End with next steps.
Agree on what happens moving forward: “Let’s confirm milestones earlier so we don’t hit delays again.”

Pro tip: Write out a few bullet points before the conversation so you stay grounded in facts and outcomes—not emotions.

This month, prep for one important conversation you’ve been putting off. Use this framework, adjust the language to fit your voice, and see how it shifts the outcome.