Episode 97 - Difficult Conversations at Work - guest episode with the Truth, Lies & Work podcast

Real Job Talk

A special episode: Liz and Kat are guests on the Truth, Lies, & Work Podcast, where they talked about difficult conversations at work.

Check out this episode with Liz and Kat on Difficult Conversations at Work, epsiode 137 of the Truth, Lies & Work podcast.

Listen to the episode right here or listen to this bonus episode right here in your Real Job Talk feed.

Episode notes

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. Join hosts Leanne Elliott, chartered psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they help you simplify the science of work.
In today’s episode, we’re tackling one of the most challenging aspects of workplace dynamics - having difficult conversations. We’re joined by two outstanding experts in the world of people and culture, Kathleen Troyer and Liz Bronson, co-hosts of the Real Job Talk podcast.
Together, they share practical advice on how to handle conflict, polarizing topics, and tough discussions at work.

Meet Our Guests:
• Kathleen Troyer is the CEO and Lead Consultant at Jigsaw Solutions Inc., where she specializes in leadership development and business strategy. Known for helping leaders engage in uncomfortable but necessary conversations, Kat shares her insights on creating psychologically safe workplaces.
• Liz Bronson, a Global Professional in Human Resources (GPHR), has dedicated her career to fostering inclusive and supportive company cultures. Her experience spans companies like Barclays Global Investors, VMware, and ThriveCart.

Key Discussion Points:

The Impact of External Events on Workplace Dynamics
Kat and Liz discuss how global events like political upheavals, economic instability, and distressing news have forever altered how we interact in the workplace.

How to Defuse Tension and Maintain a Positive Culture
In today’s polarized world, workplace conflict is inevitable. Our guests explore how leaders can guide difficult conversations, focusing on empathy, transparency, and respect.

Bringing Your Whole Self to Work
Kat and Liz debate whether this is truly feasible in today's diverse workplaces and discuss the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong, regardless of differing opinions.

Aligning Company Values with Employee Behavior
Kat and Liz stress the importance of living company values, not just displaying them on a wall.

When to Have the Uncomfortable Conversation
Our guests provide practical advice on how to approach difficult conversations when tensions rise in the workplace.