COMPLIANCE CHATTER

Manager Series

Many of our recent compliance investigations have resulted in the recommendation that supervisors offer further education or engage in corrective discussions with their employees. While these conversations can be challenging, they are crucial for maintaining a positive work environment and for reinforcing a strong culture of compliance.

To support you in these efforts, we've teamed up with the Ombuds Office to bring you practical tips on nurturing healthy relationships with your team and navigating challenging conversations.

Clear expectations can make discussions about accountability and performance more straightforward and less stressful. Set and consistently revisiting clear expectations around communication, work progress, and feedback

Additionally, as a manager, you are crucial in upholding UConn's values and policies, and in leading your team to uphold the highest standards of integrity. In setting the example, you help cultivate a culture of compliance where employees are more likely to align their behavior with organizational standards and expectations.

When preparing for a difficult conversation with a supervisee, take the time to determine your goals and desired outcomes. This clarity can help you stay focused and avoid letting emotions drive the discussion.

When it comes time to have a difficult conversation:

• Schedule an appropriate time and place for the discussion.
• Focus on behavior and facts rather than opinions.
• Actively listen and ask follow-up questions to gain a clear understanding.
• Confirm your understanding of information shared.
• Discuss a plan for next steps, including specific dates and details, and schedule a follow-up meeting to check in.

After the conversation, check in with the supervisee to ask how they are feeling. Follow through with the plan discussed. 

Commit to improving your communication skills through practice, further learning, and asking for feedback. Some ways you can do that:

• Read an article or a book
• Attend a training
• Talk to the Ombuds
• Ask for feedback from people you work with and understand how your emotions impact communication

Landry, L. (2022, August 30). How to have difficult conversations with employees. Harvard Business School Online. Retrieved from https://www.hbs.edu

Patterson, K., Grenny, J., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2012). Crucial conversations: Tools for talking when stakes are high (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Patterson, K., Grenny, J., Maxfield, D., McMillan, R., & Switzler, A. (2013). Crucial accountability: Tools for resolving violated expectations, broken commitments, and bad behavior (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.



The Enterprisers Project. (2023, January). TED Talks to sharpen your communication skills. Retrieved from https://enterprisersproject.com/article/2023/1/ted-talks-sharpen-your-communication-skills

Additional artwork provided by flaticon.com