Предупрежден значит вооружен
I was forewarned about the challenging negotiations with the new supplier, so I prepared extensively and managed to secure a favourable deal.
14.To hang in there not to give up
Не сдаваться
I know things are tough but hang in there.
15.To flip-flop to change plans completely
Полностью менять планы, мнение
If I were you, I wouldnt rely on the person that flip-flops every time.
16.To get across an idea to communicate effectively to convey the idea
Доносить идею
It was extremely difficult to get across my ideas.
17.Half-baked- not planned or considered carefully enough
Сырой
Hes always coming out with these half-baked ideas which will never work.
18.To face the music- to accept responsibility for something you have done
Храбро встречать трудности или критику
You have to face the music eventually.
19.A glitch- a small fault or problem, especially one that stops something from working
Сбой, проблема
There are always glitches in the early blueprints.
20. In the pipeline a plan, product,etc.that is in the pipeline is being discusses or prepared and will be produced or finished in the future
В разработке, в планах
The pay rise is in the pipeline.
21.To cut corners-to reduce costs at the expense of quality
Экономить в ущерб качеству
The company decided to cut corners by using cheaper materials in the manufacturing process, but it ended up causing more quality control problems in the long run.
How to deal with tough issues at work
All of us face difficult conversations at work now and on. What are the issues that can be tough to discuss?
Unsolicited Advice
Underperformance
Criticism
Disappointment
Complaints and grievances
It goes without saying that we have to bottle up negative emotions in addressing these issues so as not to destroy the friendly atmosphere and a team spirit but such discussions are a necessary evil providing us an opportunity to resolve workplace conflicts quickly and efficiently and improve employees performance.
Many people avoid difficult conversations in the workplace because it makes them feel uncomfortable but we should remember that the problems will not go away by themselves. In fact, avoiding the conversation may prolong or exacerbate the problem, damage productivity, reduce staff confidence in the managers leadership skills and finally lead to employee turnover.
The right phrases can help you find the correct way of managing difficult conversations
HOW TO OPEN A TOUGH CONVERSATION
We suggest starting with conciliatory gestures using the phrases like these:
1 Is this a good time to talk? There are a few things Id like to go over with you.
2 I need to speak with you about something; please feel free to speak your mind, as well.
3 Im at a loss as to what to do about this. Perhaps you have some ideas?
4 We all need to have difficult conversations at some point, and this is one of those times.
if it doesnt help, dont hesitate to be blunt
1 I m just going to come out and say it: We need to talk. Now.
2 In my office, five minutes.
3 I am going to talk, and you are going to listen, okay?
How to Express a Specific Concern
Try to be polite, at least at the beginning of the discussion
1 Theres just one thing thats bothering me about this
2 You know, it seems like there could be a potential problem here.
3 Lets revisit this for a moment. Im sure Im not the only one with doubts.
4 Id like to put everything out on the table, okay?
5 Ignoring a problem will only make it worse, dont you agree?
if it doesnt work, dont be afraid of sounding less polite
1 I think we need to face reality: This is a problem.
2 Can we at least agree that there is a problem?
3 Am I the only person who is concerned?
HOW TO GIVE UNSOLICITED ADVICE
We suggest trying to be gentle
1 May I offer my opinion? I dont want to step on anyones toes.
2 I know nobody asked, but Id like to weigh on this if thats okay.
3 Perhaps youd like to hear my perspective on the situation?
Dont hesitate to sound more directive if it is necessary
1 Have you considered asking a neutral outsider for his opinion?
2 I know youre not in the mood to listen to advice right now, but please hear me out.
3 I can understand why you wouldnt want to hear this, but I simply cannot remain silent.
4 You obviously need help, and Im just the person for the job.
5 Youre clearly not ready to listen, but Im going to tell you what I think anyway.
HOW TO ADDRESS UNDERPERFORMANCE
Were I you, Id try to be as delicate as possible from the beginning
1 Ive noticed that youre having a tough time at work. Is there any way I can help?
2 You seem a bit out of your depth lately. Are you having trouble with something specific?
3 You seem to be floundering a bit lately. Whats going on?
4 Your work has been slipping lately. Is there something wrong?
5 Youve been underperforming, and we need to address it before it becomes a problem.
Unfortunately, sometimes we need to sound blunt
1 A company cant survive constantly covering for a worker who is a dead weight.
2 If you dont shape up, youll need to ship out, Im afraid.
3 Its really simple: You either fix this or youre fired.
4 You do what you do, you get what you get.
HOW TO PROVIDE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM
You are supposed to sound gentle before giving this bitter pill
1 Your work here is very good overall, but I think you can bring it to an even higher level.
2 Lets start this off on a positive note. Heres what you are doing well.
3I know you are capable of great things here, if you just tie up these loose ends.
4I appreciate getting honest feedback on my work, so I want to provide that to you, too.
5I know its difficult to receive feedback, but the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort.
Dont hesitate to be blunt when you see the necessity of it
1 Most people dont like criticism, but youll need to get used to it if you want to do well here.
2 Everyone benefits from being critiqued, even you.
3 Im just going to be blunt here and tell you where you really need to improve.
4 Lets face it: Your performance in this particular area has been sorely lacking.
5 I have serious concerns about your performance. What do you plan on doing to correct this?
HOW TO DISCIPLINE OR PUNISH A VALUED EMPLOYEE
Its even harder than reprimanding those who work badly and you can be quite empathic
1 I hate this part of my job, but I would be remiss if I didnt
2 If you werent such a valuable employee, I wouldnt even bother discussing this.
3 Anyone can take a wrong turn, so Ill just let you off with a warning.
4 What do you think would be fair? You know, since youre the one who messed up.
5 You made a mistake and unfortunately you will need to pay.
Sometimes you cant help sounding harsh
1 Im going to need to lower the boom on you.
2 You screwed up, so youre the one who will have to absorb the cost.
3 One more of these incidents and Ill have to re-think your employment here.
HOW TO EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT
We advise being kind even if your disappointment is keen
1 I am disappointed, but I know you will make things right.
2 If I feel let down its because I have such high regard for you.
3 Despite my disappointment, I have every reason to believe that you will make this right.
4 Youre going to have to figure out how to get back into my good graces.
You can sound harsh if your kind approach failed to help
1 You let me down, and honestly Im not sure what you can do to make it right.
2 Im so disappointed, I dont even know what to say to you.
3 There is simply no excuse for what youve done, here.
4 I would have expected better from you
5 Things would go a lot more smoothly for you here if you just took my advice.