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How to Handle Difficult Conversations as a Leader
Ikechukwu Okoh
March 03, 2025
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Here, I share weekly actionable strategies and lessons from my experiences as a healthcare leader, entrepreneur, and angel investor.
The Leadership Pulse newsletter will equip you with insights for creating lasting impact, whether navigating leadership challenges, building cohesive teams, or scaling a startup.
This Week at a Glance
How to Handle Difficult Conversations as a Leader
Years ago, I had to let go of an underperforming team member who was also a great person.
I delayed the conversation for weeks, hoping things would improve.
They didn’t.
When we finally sat down, I realized that my hesitation had only made things worse for him and the team.
Tough conversations are inevitable in leadership.
Whether addressing poor performance, delivering bad news, or managing conflict, avoiding these discussions only worsens things.
Great leaders don’t dodge them.
They navigate them with confidence.
How to handle difficult conversations effectively:
Prepare, but don’t over-script – Know your key points, but stay flexible.
Lead with empathy – Acknowledge emotions and show you understand the other person’s perspective.
Stay fact-focused – Avoid assumptions and stick to objective facts.
Listen actively – Let them speak and clarify misunderstandings before responding.
End with a path forward – Provide solutions and next steps to resolve the issue.
Your ability to have hard conversations defines your leadership effectiveness.
The more you embrace them, the stronger your team will be.
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The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Decision-Making
I once faced a significant business decision: to expand into a new market or play it safe.
The data was compelling, but something felt off.
Instead of rushing in, I stepped back and listened to my gut, team, and clients.
That pause made all the difference.
Credits: Wellable.co
Decisions made without emotional intelligence (EQ) often lead to regret.
Logic alone isn’t enough.
Great leaders balance data with emotional insight to make sound choices.
How emotional intelligence improves decision-making:
Self-awareness helps prevent reactive decisions – Leaders who understand their triggers avoid emotional knee-jerk reactions.
Empathy enhances stakeholder buy-in – Decisions gain more substantial support when considering others' perspectives.
Emotional regulation prevents rash choices – High-EQ leaders stay calm under pressure and think critically.
Social awareness strengthens communication – Understanding team dynamics helps in navigating tough calls.
EQ fosters adaptability – Emotionally intelligent leaders adjust strategies without ego.
A high IQ might get you into leadership, but a high EQ will keep you there.
Decision-making has to be both right and wise.
Why Every Leader Should Master the Art of Public Speaking
Four months ago, I watched a brilliant entrepreneur pitch his startup.
His idea was groundbreaking, but his delivery was… painful.
He mumbled, avoided eye contact, and read from his slides. By the end, investors had lost interest.
A week later, I saw another founder with a similar idea.
He told a compelling story, connected with the audience, and spoke with conviction.
Guess who got the funding?
Your ideas are only as powerful as your ability to communicate them.
Leaders who master public speaking inspire, influence, and drive action.
Those who don’t?
They struggle to rally their teams and stakeholders.
Why public speaking is a non-negotiable leadership skill:
It builds credibility – A confident speaker earns trust and respect.
It increases influence – The ability to persuade others is a leadership superpower.
It drives clarity – Clear, compelling communication aligns teams and eliminates confusion.
It boosts career growth – Leaders who speak well get noticed and promoted faster.
It enhances storytelling – The best leaders don’t just share facts; they tell stories that inspire action.
You don’t have to be perfect during public speaking.
You must connect with your audience.
The more you practice, the more powerful your presence becomes.
Leadership isn’t about titles.
It’s about impact.
Whether handling tough conversations, making decisions with emotional intelligence, or mastering public speaking, your leadership growth determines your success.
Which of these skills will you focus on this week?
Stay bold, stay impactful.
Please stay connected with me:
Ikechukwu Okoh
Founder of Leadership Pulse
P.S. Feel free to share this newsletter with a colleague or peer who could benefit from these insights.
I offer the following services:
Executive Coaching for Healthcare Leaders: Tailored strategies for effective leadership in uncertain times.
Healthcare Consulting Services: Insights to enhance operational efficiency, compliance, and patient care.
Advisory for Healthcare Startups: Support with scaling, investor pitching, and regulatory navigation.
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