The world of entrepreneurship has no room for passive aggression or beating around the bush. As a business owner, you’ll save time, money and a whole lot of stress by being direct with other people. But, there’s a difference between being direct and being rude, and it all comes down to technique. Here are five tips to walking the line without crossing it.
1. Don’t make assumptions.
It’s impossible to know everything about a person. The business partner who comes across as lazy or disconnected may be going through a rough patch in their personal life. The employee who seems unskilled or careless may not have had the training you would’ve liked them to have. The same thing goes for businesses and organizations — if they don’t work with you the way you’d like, there might be a reason you can’t see. Before you confront someone about an issue, then, make sure you have all the facts.
2. Make sure your conversation serves a purpose.
Will what you’re saying actually be useful or will it just ruffle some feathers? Whether you’re hoping to solve a conflict or discuss future plans with someone, you should have a tangible goal in mind. Are you increasing an employee’s turnout,…