Being a supervisor is challenging and complex. Supervisors are charged with a variety of responbilities: mentor, leader, coach, and messenger. But one of the most challenging roles a supervisor has is dealing with delicate, sensitive, or volatile issues with theie employees.

These are the discussions that involve things like performance issues., personal problems that affect productivity, conflict between employees, and terminations and layoff. Why are they difficult? Because they have the power to affect an employee’s carrer and life. It’s also because it’s intention to an employee’s weaknesses or shortcomings.

These difficult discussions can take twist and turns that can make them uncomfortable and unpleasant for both the employee and the supervisor. But no matter how difficult, uncomfortable, or unpleasant, these conversations are necessary, for the good of the company, the affected employee, and his or her co-workers.