"Having worked at a manager and director level through my career in healthcare, I've had to have many difficult conversations with employees and fellow colleagues where being honest and transparent was difficult. Early in my career as a supervisor after being promoted from within in the department, I had to put my close friend and former colleague on a performance improvement plan due to poor practices in our unit. Knowing that it would be a struggle for me, my director gave me a sound piece of advice in saying that though I was delivering bad news to the employee, they had performed poorly and should have an indication that the plan was coming. I our conversation, I put my personal feelings aside and was direct in laying out the reason for the plan and being confident in his abilities to improve. I've maintained this mindset in difficult conversations through my career."

"Working as a nurse for a few years, I've been exposed to times where I've had to be a part of difficult conversations with both patients and family members. In my current role in critical care, I had to break the news of a patient passing away to their family that was present onsite in our waiting area. In this situation, I had the ability to remain calm and focused while keeping their best interest in mind by being direct and tactful. While difficult, I kept in mind that they had every right to know as soon as possible that we weren't able to save their loved one and for that I know they were appreciative."