It’s inevitable. In your professional life, you’re going to have some difficult conversations with co-workers, bosses, or subordinates. No one likes it. In fact, it’s estimated that 80 percent of us avoid having difficult conversations at work due to fear. Learning how to navigate these moments will help alleviate the anxiety and awkwardness of these tough talks. What’s the best way to do this? Prepare. Preparation will help you gain confidence and give you the courage to engage in a difficult conversation in the workplace. Start by going over the key points that need to be addressed, and ask yourself why this particular conversation could be uncomfortable. Understanding your own feelings regarding the conversation you’re about to have might seem like an obvious remedy to the fear, but it’s one few people take the time to do properly. When having a conversation, choose your words carefully and ensure the tone is always one of collaboration. Rather than telling an employee that their performance has been bad, start by saying you don’t doubt their talents and abilities, but their recent work hasn’t been up to the standards they’re capable of. This way they won’t feel the need to be defensive, and you can work together to reach a solution.