How do you get a subordinate to tell you a difficult truth?

<p>Philip Tate wanted to hit lead-off on this one because he sees it as the ultimate communication question. You have to create an environment that encourages honest dialogue and ongoing conversations by asking open ended questions and being an active listener.</p> <p> </p> <p>In a communication audit, you need to provide anonymity and confidentiality if you expect to learn the truth about a difficult topic.</p> <p> </p> <p>Abby McCloskey agreed. You have to lay the groundwork for a good relationship if you want someone to be comfortable enough to share hard things with you. And when they do venture out to answer a tough question, it is on you, as the leader to receive it well. If you don’t really want to know and then do something with that information, don’t ask.</p> <p> </p> <p>Michael Sicuranza agreed that it is easy to get defensive and forget about having compassion; remembering that the people who work for you have a fear of repercussions. If you are compassionate with giving them feedback, they will care enough about you to tell you the truth too.</p> <p> </p> <p>I bundled it into creating a foundation of psychological safety BEFORE you expect someone to have a tough conversation with you. Without it, subordinates will hide bad news until it explodes.</p> <p> </p> <p>This question is straightforward if you are a leader.</p> <p> </p> <p>For those watching who aren’t leaders yet – what do you need to be willing to share a work thing that isn’t going well with your boss to warn them or maybe ask for help?</p> <p> </p> <p>Connect with the panelists: Michael Sicuranza: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsicuranza/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsicuranza/</a></p> <p>CEO of Affinity Wealth Management where they focus on helping small business and corporate executives make better choices with their money</p> <p> </p> <p>Abby McCloskey: <a href='https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-mccloskey-cfp%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-b8233a5/'>https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigail-mccloskey-cfp%C2%AE-clu%C2%AE-b8233a5/</a></