11 tips for a good conversation
Many problems and stress can be avoided by discussing the topic of stress and letting employees know that they can always come to you. There are several conversation techniques that help to have a good conversation.
Ask open-ended questions
that begin with question words such as 'how', 'what', 'who', 'which' and 'where'.
Drop silences
so that the other person is more likely to show the back of their tongue.
Try to 'mirror'
in the use of words and attitude to make the other person feel comfortable.
Pay attention to non-verbal communication
Also show in a non-verbal way that you are interested in the other person, by nodding and showing emotion at the right moments.
Name the emotion
Is the conversation proceeding awkwardly? For example, because the other person is tense or emotional? Name the emotion you see and ask if this is true. This helps to get the conversation going again.
Repeat the last words
a person says, to really get clear on what the other person is feeling.
From time to time, summarise
what the other person is saying. The other person feels heard and can add to or adjust the conversation if necessary.
Use your own words
when summarising. If you do this well, the other person will feel understood. They may even see their own situation through your eyes.
Think constructively
Don’t look for the other person’s solution. Let your employee come up with their own solutions. Do think constructively.
Do not judge
the situation and/or the other person’s feelings.
Create a safe environment
It is essential that you both feel safe and comfortable during the conversation. Therefore, ask the other person how they experience the conversation and your relationship and/or mention how you experience it yourself.
