3/3/25, 10:00 AM How to handle difficult conversations in your early career, from salary negotiation to solving conflict THE CONVERSATION Academic rigour, journalistic flair When approached thoughtfully, difficult conversations can provide greater control over your career and workplace interactions. (Shutterstock) How to handle difficult conversations in your early career, from salary negotiation to solving conflict Published: February 20, 2025 1.27pm EST Leda Stawnychko Assistant Professor of Strategy and Organizational Theory, Mount Royal University Anamika Choudhary PhD Candidate in Neuroscience, University of Calgary Many professionals struggle with difficult conversations in the workplace, particularly when emotions run high. Your first performance review, for example, was probably uncomfortable. Here's why. What makes these conversations challenging isn't just the subject matter, but the discomfort, tension or uncertain!)'. about how the other person will react. Neuroscience research shows that when conflict is anticipated, the amygdala - the emotional centre of the brain - activates, flooding the bodY. with stress hormones and making it harder to think clearly and respond calmly. https://theconversation.com/how-to-handle-difficult-conversations-in-your-early-career-from-salary-negotiation-to-solving-conflict-245340#:~:text=I... 1 /5 3/3/25, 10:00 AM How to handle difficult conversations in your early career, from salary negotiation to solving conflict For some, 11ast negative ex11eriences can amplify this response, making conflict feel even more distressing. As a result, people react differently: some freeze, others become defensive and some avoid interacting altogether. While avoidance often feels like the easier 11ath in the short term, it can lead to reduced trust, strained workplace dynamics and even missed career op11ortunities. However, with awareness and preparation, you can learn to manage this stress response and approach difficult conversations with confidence. This six-week newsletter course from The Conversation will bring you research-backed advice and tools to help improve your relationships, your career, your free time and your mental health - no supplements or skincare required. Sign UP- here to start your glow-up at any time. Preparing yourself for these conversations Conflict is a significant source of stress in the workplace. Employees who cite conflict as their primary source of stress lose about 55 days of 11roductivi!Y per year. This issue is particularly critical for early..: career su11ervisors, for whom conflict resolution is an essential leadership skill. Understanding why these conversations feel difficult - and learning how to approach them effectively - can help you build stronger workplace relationships, enhance your credibili!Y as a manager and create a more positive professional environment. https://theconversation.com/how-to-handle-difficult-conversations-in-your-early-career-from-salary-negotiation-to-solving-conflict-245340#:~:text=I... 2/5 3/3/25, 10:00 AM How to handle difficult conversations in your early career, from salary negotiation to solving conflict One strategy for reducing stress around these conversations is to reframe them as QJ.1P-Ortunities to strengthen professional relationshi�. When handled well, these difficult conversations can help you feel more in control of your career and workplace interactions. Here are three difficult conversations you'll likely face early in your career, along with strategies for how to navigate them effectively. For early-career supervisors, developing conflict resolution skills is especially critical, as effective leadership depends on the ability to navigate tough discussions. (Shutterstock) 1. The salary negotiation Many new professionals hesitate to negotiate their salarY., fearing they'll be seen as ungrateful or too demanding. Others worry about damaging their relationship with their employer. Read more: Negotiating a new salarn or a p_ay rise? Here's what you need to know to succeed However, advocating for fair compensation is not just about money - it's about recognizing your value and setting the foundation for your career growth. To navigate this conversation effectively: • Do your research: before engaging in the conversation, study salary benchmarks. Resources like Glassdoor and Indeed can help you do this, as well as seeking advice from your network. • Frame your value strategically: highlight your skills, achievements and your contributions to the organization, emphasizing measurable impact. 2. Setting boundaries at work Feeling the pressure to prove yourself by agreeing to every request is natural, particularly when you are trying to get established in your field. While a strong work ethic is valuable, consistently overextending yourself can lead to burnout. https://theconversation.com/how-to-handle-difficult-conversations-in-your-early-career-from-salary-negotiation-to-solving-conflict-245340#:~:text=I... 3/5 3/3/25, 10:00 AM How to handle difficult conversations in your early career, from salary negotiation to solving conflict Learning how to communicate your limits can help you maintain long-term productivity and professionalism. To address this conversation: • Know your priorities: before setting boundaries, understand what's reasonable for you. Do you perform best with structured work-life balance, or do you prefer a flexible work-life integration approach? Does your work require uninterrupted, focused work? • Focus on organizational success: instead of framing boundaries as personal limitations, explain how they contribute to overall team efficiency. For instance: "If I can schedule deep-focus time in the morning, I'll be able to deliver higher-quality work more efficiently." 3. Addressing workplace conflict Disagreements and miscommunications are inevitable in any workplace. Addressing workplace conflicts with emotional intelligence and professionalism is key to maintaining strong relationships and credibility. Instead of avoiding the conversation, approach it with curiosity and a focus on problem-solving: • Seek first to understand: before jumping to conclusions, gather all relevant information and reflect on possible perspectives. Could there have been a miscommunication? Was there an external factor at play? • Use future-focused languag�: avoid accusatory statements and keep the conversation future­ orientated toward solutions. You could say, for example: "Let's establish a process so we're aligned moving forward." By handling these conversations directly and professionally, you demonstrate leadership skill. Addressing misunderstandings Qpenly and respectfully also contributes to a healthier and more collaborative workplace for everyone's benefit. Mastering the art of conversation early in your career can set you apart as a thoughtful, capable professional. (Shutterstock) Why these conversations matter https://theconversation.com/how-to-handle-difficult-conversations-in-your-early-career-from-salary-negotiation-to-solving-conflict-245340#:~:text=I... 4/5 3/3/25, 10:00 AM How to handle difficult conversations in your early career, from salary negotiation to solving conflict Successfully navigating difficult workplace conversations requires preparation, self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Rather than allowing unresolved tensions to escalate - or pushing you to consider leaving a job remind yourself that discomfort is temporary. Being able to cope with feeling uncomfortable is an important career skill to develop. Whether it's negotiating your salary, setting boundaries or resolving misunderstandings, these discussions can influence your professional reputation and how colleagues and managers treat you in the workplace. Taking proactive steps to engage in these conversations with confidence can set the foundation for sustained career success. Start practising these conversations now; the sooner you start, the more skilled you'll become, and your future self will thank you. Mount Royal University Institutional Repository. This article is deposited for long-term access and preservation. Where required images have been removed for copyright purposes. This version is in PDF/A format for long-term preservation. https://theconversation.com/how-to-handle-difficult-conversations-in-your-early-career-from-salary-negotiation-to-solving-conflict-245340#:~:text=I... 5/5