Hey Full Potential Zoners,
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Every single day, I get messages exactly like this from amazing people who want to:
▶️ Leave their crappy job and start their own amazing online business
▶️ Or find the perfect side hustle
▶️ Or earn more as a content creator/coach/consultant/solopreneur
It is MUCH easier and faster than you think
Book a free call with me and we will have your digital product/lead magnet/coaching offer built and live in 30 minutes = yes, I am serious.
Let’s jump in…
You can say the hard thing— without making it harder.
Most people walk into hard conversations without a plan— so they either explode… or say nothing at all.
Both make things worse.
But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Because one clear, kind conversation can save a project, a person, or a team.
And the earlier you say it — the easier it becomes next time.
Today we are going to help leaders master this by using:
‘Tough Conversations - What to Say When It’s Not Easy'.
Let’s dive in!
Download This PDF + my Top 60+ Cheat Sheets At Bottom of Email
How to Say Hard Things at Work
1. You feel like a teammate is shutting you out of decisions
Scenario: You keep getting left out of meetings you should be in. It's frustrating.
Start with curiosity, not blame:
“Can I ask about how decisions are getting made for this project? I want to understand the flow better.”
Show your intention is collaboration:
“I want to make sure I’m supporting the work, not slowing it down.”
Follow up with a calm fact:
“Last week I found out about the update after it was final. I’m wondering if we can find a better way to stay in sync?”
You're naming the issue without turning it into a personal attack — which opens the door for honesty.
2. A team member is consistently missing deadlines
Scenario: Someone on your team keeps delivering late. You’re the one who has to clean it up.
Start with timing, not tension:
“Is now a good time to talk through timelines?”
Share the impact, not just the issue:
“When the files are late, I end up staying late to catch us up.”
Ask for ideas:
“What do you think would help this go smoother next time?”
Ask if anything is going on behind the scenes.
This shows you’re not there to catch them — you’re there to understand.
3. You're frustrated with your boss but scared to speak up
Scenario: Your manager keeps changing priorities last-minute. It's messing up your workflow.
Set the tone first:
“I want to talk so things get better for both of us.”
Share how it's affecting you:
“It’s been hard to stay on track with shifting priorities. I’m missing key parts because I keep redoing work.”
Offer a simple fix:
“Would it help if we locked in priorities weekly and only changed them during a quick sync?”
Don’t dump problems — offer options.
Managers respond better to solutions than stress.
4. You got negative feedback and don’t know how to respond
Scenario: Someone gave you direct or even harsh feedback. You’re feeling defensive.
Pause and ask for insight:
“Can you walk me through what didn’t work for you?”
Make it safe for honesty:
“I’d rather understand it fully, even if it’s tough to hear.”
Look ahead, not back:
“What would a better version look like next time?”
You’re using the moment not to defend yourself — but to grow, which flips the power dynamic completely.
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Download this infographic at the end of this section
Feelings can stall your progress if you don’t know what to do with them. This visual gives you the first move.
Here are 3 quick ways to use it in real life — so you don’t stay stuck in your head.
1. When You Feel Like Quitting
Scenario:
You’re drained, the project’s stalled, and nothing’s working.
Step outside for 10 minutes.
Post one update, even if it’s messy.
Remind yourself why you started.
2. When Jealousy Hits Hard
Scenario:
Someone else just got the win you wanted.
Say: “I feel jealous because I want that too.”
Ask: What’s one small step toward my version?
Start there — not with their path, but yours.
3. When You Feel Lost
Scenario:
You want to build something — but don’t know where to start.
Go to creatyl.com and make a free account.
Pick one idea that feels doable.
Take one small step today. Come back tomorrow.
Want the deep dive and printable PDF? Click here
Here's how you can make it real today:
Step 1: Pick your moment
Think of one moment recently where you stayed quiet but something felt off - maybe a late deadline, a teammate’s tone, or a decision you disagreed with.
Now choose one goal from the graphic that could’ve helped.
That’s your focus for today.
Step 2: Set your decision point
Pick one time in your day — maybe after a meeting, during a chat, or when replying to a message.
That’s when you’ll test something new.
Write a sticky note or reminder that says:
“Say one real thing today.”
Step 3: Use one simple phrase
Choose one line you can say or type that fits your moment.
Try:
“Can I check something with you real quick?”
“Here’s how that landed for me…”
“I might be missing something — can you walk me through your side?”
“What would a better outcome look like for both of us?”
Keep it short. Keep it calm. Say it once.
Step 4: Watch what happens
Later, pause and ask:
Did saying that lower the tension?
Did I feel more honest or more in control?
Did the other person respond with more openness?
Small words can shift the entire tone.
Step 5: End with one sentence
Before bed, write:
“I finally said something, and it helped because: _____.”
or“Next time I hesitate, I’ll start with: _____.”
AI Prompt: “Act as a conversation coach. Help me prepare for a short but meaningful conversation that I’ve been putting off. Use the information below to guide your response.
Context: [Insert what the conversation is about — e.g., “Teammate keeps missing deadlines” or “I felt dismissed in a meeting”]
Why this matters: [Insert why I want to bring it up — e.g., “It’s affecting our work” or “It’s starting to build tension”]
My goal: [Insert what a positive outcome looks like — e.g., “Clearer expectations,” “Better teamwork,” or “Less stress going forward”]
Provide:
A simple one-line summary of my reason + goal
2–3 conversation starters I could use to bring it up calmly
One sentence I can say to myself before the talk to stay grounded
A tip for staying clear if the conversation gets off track
Use calm, clear language. Keep it short and helpful. Make this feel like something I could actually say today.”
Tough conversations don’t need perfect timing or perfect words.
They just need one honest moment to shift everything.
Start small. One line is enough to start the repair.
If your voice shakes, say it anyway.
Progress begins with one sentence you were scared to say.
If it’s hard to say, it probably needs to be said.
Until next time and with lots of love,
Justin
This Week’s Growth Recommendations
Book To Read:
“Fierce Conversations” by Susan Scott (see it here)
TED Talk to Watch:
“10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation" by Celeste Headlee (see it here)
You’ve waited long enough to make amazing money from what you already know.
creatyl makes it simple to begin:
✅ Choose one thing you already know
✅ Turn it into a digital product, fast
✅ Follow the exact steps inside creatyl to get it live
No overthinking. No guesswork.
Just progress — one clear move at a time.
📑 Today’s PDF
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