How do you raise a difficult issue with a colleague?
Explain it like I'm 16
Choose an appropriate time, describe the specific issue calmly and listen to the other person’s account. Aim for a practical next step.
A real-world example
“Yesterday’s handover did not include the contractor appointment, so we could not prepare access. What happened, and how can we make sure it is included next time?” is more actionable than “You never communicate”.
Example 1 of 1
Common misunderstanding
Listening does not mean agreeing with everything. It helps you understand the situation before deciding what to do.
What next?
Keep going — pick your next step and we'll take it from here.