Here's how you can navigate tough talks with your boss in consulting.

Difficult conversations with your boss are an opportunity, not just an obstacle. They are a chance to deepen your relationship, to demonstrate your leadership skills, and to shape the future of your work. Approached thoughtfully, these conversations can be defining moments in your career journey.

Primeiro, é importante ser claro sobre os pontos que deseja abordar e ter fatos e dados para apoiar sua posição. Escolha um momento adequado para a conversa, garantindo que ambos tenham tempo suficiente para discutir as questões. Mantenha a calma e a objetividade, evitando emoções intensas que possam desviar o foco. Use uma linguagem assertiva, mas respeitosa, e esteja aberto a ouvir a perspectiva do seu chefe. Proponha soluções construtivas em vez de apenas apontar problemas. Por fim, siga com um plano de ação claro para resolver os pontos discutidos e acompanhe os progressos regularmente.

Be open to your boss's point of view and try to understand their perspective. Actively listen and ask clarifying questions to ensure you fully comprehend the situation & Begin the conversation by acknowledging your boss's strengths or something positive about your working relationship. This can help set a constructive tone. & don't just identify problems; come up with potential solutions or alternatives that address the issue. This shows your proactivity and problem-solving skills.

Un problema típico en las conversaciones con los superiores suele ser que se tiende a mitigar los puntos negativos. Mala comunicación: "creo que es aconsejable que incorporemos un perfil legal al proyecto cuando sea posible". Buena comunicación: "es totalmente necesario que incorporemos un perfil legal esta semana al proyecto o el cliente me ha dicho que perdemos el contrato". Es muy importante la transparencia y el lenguaje directo, y por supuesto no solo explicar el problema, si no preparar por adelantado las distintas posibles soluciones que vamos a proponer.

During the conversation itself, communicate clearly and concisely. Focus on facts rather than opinions or emotions. Listen as much as you speak. Seek to understand your boss's perspective and constraints. Work together to brainstorm potential solutions and reach agreements on next steps.

Do not make the discussion personal or a rant. Also steer the conversation away if your boss is entering your zone. Begin with appreciation. Be honest about your feelings. Explain your situation. Listen without interrupting. Seek clarification. Work towards an acceptable solution.

Ultimately, navigating tough conversations requires a foundation of trust and mutual respect. As an employee, consistently deliver excellent work, communicate proactively, and demonstrate your commitment to the team's success. As you build a track record of reliability and performance, you'll be in a stronger position to raise concerns and drive change.

'Tough talks' and 'with your boss', are not a easy combination and there is not any sure-shot recipe to make it go smoothly. In my experience, I have gone into those talks knowing an option of outcomes based on how my boss would react, and accordingly maneuver the conversations to either of the outcomes. A talk becomes tough, when you know, how your boss reacts to difficult topics based on your past experience. So simply build your script knowing on which points, your boss will go defensive or be receptive. Be prepared, to change course of conversation towards an list options you went to close. Lastly, time the conversation at a good time if possible.

He tenido que comentar, reflexionar, discutir, negociar... lo que quieras... muchas veces con un jefe. Acerca de temas tan peliagudos como alcance de propuestas, equipo asignado, horas (horas extra...), tiempos de implementación, resultados a entregar... la presión en este negocio la tenemos a todos los niveles. Y hay que ser consciente de ello (a nadie le gusta "apretar por apretar"). Así que sólo te recomiendo una cosa: DEFIENDE bien el tema que vayas a tratar. Desde la CONFIANZA de haber analizado las posibilidades y riesgos y de haber estudiado las alternativas más posibles y probables. Si confías en ti y en lo que vas a decir, ya tienes el 80% del diálogo ganado. Para el 20 restante, todo lo anterior ;)

The most important thing is to approach these conversations with empathy, clarity and a solutions-oriented mindset. Before initiating the discussion, take time to thoroughly understand the issue at hand and the outcome you hope to achieve. Choose an appropriate time and place to ensure your boss's full attention in a private setting.