Sometimes it's what's NOT said that matters more than what is. How many times do we hold back for fear of getting into trouble, when we really need to have a good conversation about a difficult subject, or we're not sure how to go about it without ruffling some feathers? Avoiding tough talks can be disastrous in the workplace, leading to resentment, mistrust, low engagement and productivity, poor performance and more. When studies show that 69% of managers are often uncomfortable communicating with employees (officevibe.com), it's time to tackle the situation with practical tools and techniques. It's essential that all managers know how to effectively handle situations that, while awkward, are also important. Learning to have these conversations with empathy builds stronger relationships, and drives better performance.