Confrontation is not about aggression but about guiding individuals to recognize and address self-defeating behaviors.
Effective confrontation requires honesty, empathy, and clear communication.
Leaders skilled in confrontation help others take accountability for their actions, fostering growth and positive change while maintaining respect and professionalism.
Exercise: Practical Exercise: The “CARE” Confrontation Framework
Practice this structured approach in a real conversation when addressing a self-defeating behavior:
Clarify the Concern → State the issue factually and without judgment.
- Example: “I’ve noticed you’ve been missing deadlines lately, and it’s affecting the team’s progress.”
Acknowledge Their Perspective → Show understanding of their situation.
- Example: “I know you’ve had a lot on your plate, and I can see why this has been challenging.”
Realign Expectations → Clearly communicate what needs to change.
- Example: “It’s important that deadlines are met so we stay on track. Let’s find a way to improve this.”
Encourage Accountability → Offer support while reinforcing responsibility.
- Example: “What do you think would help you stay on top of this? I’m here to support you in making it work.”
Action Step: Use the CARE framework in your next difficult conversation and reflect on the response.