Difficult Conversations Planner: How to Prepare, Deliver & Follow Up Like a Pro | Ep. #128

About this episode

This episode provides a practical planning system for handling difficult conversations in leadership.

In this episode of Building Better Managers , produced by New Level Work , we dive into one of the most stressful and avoided parts of leadership: the difficult conversation. Whether you're giving tough feedback to a direct report, navigating a peer conflict, or even managing up, these high-stakes dialogs can easily go off the rails. But they don't have to. We break down a practical two-part planning system to help you move from confrontation to collaboration—without losing your cool. You'll learn: ✔️ Why 90% of your success is determined before you say a word ✔️ A 7-step internal audit to manage your emotions and clarify your goals ✔️ How to structure your message using the SBI model (Situation, Behavior, Impact) ✔️ The art of firm, neutral delivery—without judgment or heat ✔️ How to collaborate on real solutions and lock in accountability ✔️ Tips for staying focused when the conversation gets derailed This isn't just theory—it's a full blueprint for turning high-anxiety moments into high-impact leadership. Learn more For coaching programs, leadership training, or AI-enhanced tools to support your managers, visit newlevelwork.com Like what you hear? Rate and review us at…

People in this episode

Host: New Level Work

Topics covered

• difficult conversations
• leadership
• feedback
• conflict resolution
• communication skills

Keywords

• difficult conversations
• leadership
• feedback
• SBI model
• emotional management
• collaboration
• accountability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Building Better Managers

More episodes of Building Better Managers

• The Manager as Coach: How to Use Coaching Conversations to Develop Your Team | Ep. #129 · January 6, 2026 · 15 min
• Mastering One-on-One Meetings: The Manager's Most Underrated Superpower | Ep. #127 · November 4, 2025 · 15 min
• The Leadership Power of Listening: How Enhanced Listening Skills Can Transform Your Team | Ep. #126 · October 21, 2025 · 24 min
• Mastering Feedback with the SBI Model: A Framework for Growth and Trust | Ep #125 · October 14, 2025 · 15 min
• Creating a Culture of Psychological Safety with Karolin Helbig and Minette Norman (Encore) | Ep #124 · July 29, 2025 · 37 min
• Navigating Workplace Drama Effectively with Marlene Chism (Encore) | Ep #123 · July 15, 2025 · 33 min