‘How To Have Challenging Conversations. Tips From Organisational Science’, Thinking About Teaching

This resource, while originating from the teaching profession, offers valuable insights for social enterprises on how to navigate challenging management conversations in evolving and dynamic work contexts. The article discusses the difficulties leaders face when addressing performance issues or implementing change, often feeling trapped between a "hard sell" and a "soft sell" approach. Neither of these are effective in producing lasting change or maintaining positive relationships. 

Instead, the resource advocates for an "Open to Learning" framework based on organisational science. This approach emphasises three key values: increasing the validity of information, increasing respect, and increasing commitment. Leaders are encouraged to treat their views as hypotheses to be confirmed, give others the benefit of the doubt, and work towards shared decision-making. This offers leaders in social enterprises with a framework to approach difficult conversations more effectively, balancing the need for change with maintaining positive relationships.