{"product_id":"difficult-conversations-guide-2026","title":"Difficult Conversations Guide 2026","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Script-Based Guide for Dental Practice Managers to Have the Conversations That Make or Break a Team\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003eDifficult conversations are the most avoided part of the Practice Manager role — and the most important. Avoiding them is not neutral. Every conversation you delay is a problem that grows, a team member who loses respect for the standard, and a team culture that quietly erodes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eDifficult Conversations Guide 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e is a practical, script-based guide for dental Practice Managers to have the conversations that make or break a team — with real dental practice scenarios, exact language, the Resolve 5-Step Conversation Framework, a language guide, and a documentation template. This guide does not just tell you what to do. It tells you exactly what to say.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe guide is structured across 5 parts:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 1 — The Mindset Behind Difficult Conversations\u003c\/strong\u003e Three mindset shifts that change everything: a difficult conversation is an act of respect, not an attack; your discomfort is not the priority — their development is; and every time poor performance is tolerated, the rest of the team notices. Includes the most important rule in the guide: \u003cem\u003eaddress issues within 48 hours of observing them — not 48 days.\u003c\/em\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 2 — The Resolve 5-Step Conversation Framework\u003c\/strong\u003e A consistent structure for every difficult conversation — performance, conduct, conflict, or feedback:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep 1 — Prepare:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eWrite down the specific behaviour, the impact, the outcome you want, and how they might respond. Have documentation ready. Choose the right time and place.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep 2 — Open:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eName what the conversation is about immediately. Includes an exact opening script — \"I wanted to have a private conversation with you about something I've been observing. I want to be straightforward with you because I respect you, and I think you deserve honest feedback.\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep 3 — Explore:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eAsk a genuine question and listen. Includes a summarising script and a reminder that genuine listening changes outcomes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep 4 — Clarify:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eBe specific about what needs to change and by when. The step most PMs avoid — includes an exact script for the specific ask and the follow-up date.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStep 5 — Follow Up:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSchedule a follow-up before you leave the conversation. Document immediately. Acknowledge improvement or escalate non-improvement.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 3 — Ten Real Dental Practice Scenarios\u003c\/strong\u003e Scripts for the ten conversations Practice Managers dread most — each with context, an opening script, and guidance on likely responses:\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePersistent Lateness\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— 3+ documented instances; includes the exact script for the commitment conversation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePoor Phone Manner\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— curt, disengaged, or unprofessional; includes a script that leads with empathy, not accusation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePerformance Not Improving After First Conversation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— formal verbal warning territory; includes the escalation script\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterpersonal Conflict Between Two Team Members\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— individual conversations first; includes the \"what would need to happen\" script\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuspected Bullying or Intimidation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— legal obligations explained; includes guidance on consulting the Practice Owner before acting and the initial conversation script\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eResistance to Change\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— vocal resistance undermining a new system; includes the script for hearing concerns while holding the standard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHygiene or Personal Presentation Issue\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— the most uncomfortable conversation; includes a compassionate, private script\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePoor Clinical Documentation\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— AHPRA compliance risk; includes the script linking documentation to personal medico-legal risk\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTeam Member Going Through a Personal Crisis\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— a care conversation, not a disciplinary one; includes the \"I'm asking because I genuinely care\" script and how to address performance alongside support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnding a Probationary Employment\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e— includes a clear caution to seek legal advice before proceeding and a brief, direct, compassionate termination script\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 4 — Language Guide: What to Say and What Not to Say\u003c\/strong\u003e A 10-swap language guide showing exactly which phrases to avoid and what to use instead — covering accusatory language, hearsay language, vague feedback, and closing language. Small word choices that create dramatically different outcomes.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePart 5 — After the Conversation\u003c\/strong\u003e A ready-to-use documentation template to complete immediately after every difficult conversation — covering date, team member name, specific behaviour discussed, their response, what was agreed, follow-up date, and next steps if the commitment is not met.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho this is for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003ePractice Managers who find difficult conversations uncomfortable and want a clear, scripted framework to follow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003ePMs who have been avoiding a conversation they know they need to have\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003ePractice Owners who want their PM to lead the team with confidence and consistency\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"u-break-words ps-[2px] hide-loading-dot\"\u003eAny PM who has ever had a conversation that went sideways because they were not prepared\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"my-[1px]\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e📄 \u003cstrong\u003eFormat:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18-page editable Microsoft Word document (.docx) — fully customisable with your practice name and PM details\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e⬇️ \u003cstrong\u003eInstant digital download\u003c\/strong\u003e — available immediately after purchase\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"py-[3px] whitespace-pre-wrap u-break-words\"\u003e🦷 \u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for dental Practice Managers\u003c\/strong\u003e — Fair Work Act aware, AHPRA compliance referenced\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Resolve Dental Consultancy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53789038477676,"sku":null,"price":49.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0988\/9657\/6876\/files\/lifestyle_manager_staff_oneonone.jpg?v=1778745275","url":"https:\/\/www.resolvedentalconsultancy.com.au\/products\/difficult-conversations-guide-2026","provider":"Resolve Dental Consultancy","version":"1.0","type":"link"}