"I'm not sure Kirk is wrong"
Jamal’s employee, Kirk, recently obtained some visible body piercings. This has made some other employees uncomfortable. The company's formal dress code or policy manual does not address this topic specifically, but you have heard from enough people that you feel you need to say something to Kirk. (10:00 minutes)
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Lessons Learned
- Is this the right conversation? - Be clear that this is the conversation to be having. Another option is to have dialogue with Kirk’s co-workers to help them have the Courageous Conversations with Kirk directly. Rather than Jamal taking on their issue. An opportunity to exists for Jamal to become a coach to his other employees in handling their own conflict.
- Set a positive tone and language - Set a positive tone. Reassure the employee that this is not about his performance, but it is an awkward topic, so try to put the employee at ease. Cite some recent positives regarding his contribution
- Engage the employee on solutions - Have some ideas on what type of outcome you would like from this situation.
- Create a plan - Once you do decide on a plan of action, determine exactly how you will implement it. Who will do what and when will they do it, etc.? Be as clear and specific as you can. “I will setup an informal meeting with the rest of the staff and get back to you.”
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