16 Jul 2025
Smarticle Presents - The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations - C2: Leading Through Change: Real Conversations About Layoffs, Resistance, And Emotional Intelligence
Show synopsis: Welcome to "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations," the podcast that takes you on a transformative journey through the world of interpersonal communication. Join us as we explore the delicate dance of dialogue, where we roleplay various scenarios, dissect how not to handle difficult conversations, and provide expert guidance on how to navigate them with finesse. In each episode, we'll dive into real-life situations, from workplace conflicts to personal disputes, and showcase the pitfalls of miscommunication. We will demonstrate how not to approach these challenges, illustrating common mistakes we all make. Learn with us as we uncover the strategies, techniques, and insights that empower you to approach difficult conversations with confidence and compassion. Tune in to "The Art and Science of Difficult Conversations" and transform your interactions for the better. Because when we communicate better, we live better.
Show Notes:
Is it possible to conduct layoffs in a way that’s respectful and compassionate?
According to Summer, there definitely is.In this week’s episode, Lucie and Chris interview Summer Miller, an HR consultant who’s focused on helping business navigate people-centered change. Through both her own personal experience and her work, she helps us understand:- Why the layoff conversations often seems too scripted and impersonal- How to manage risk while still being human- The importance of transparency and treating employees like grown ups- How to think about supporting employees through the transition- How to manage your own emotions if you’re the one delivering the bad newsDr. Summer Miller is the CEO of SDM Integrative Consulting, where she helps businesses navigate change and growth without leaving people behind. Her approach is to help leaders integrate people-centered practices so their employees want to be part of the future they are building. As an advisor, educator, speaker, and facilitator, Summer works with people to build the capabilities needed for long-term success. She brings over 25 years of experience, including executive positions in HR, change, and transformation at U.S. Bank, and more recent work with small to mid-market businesses.Summer holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and a master’s in organizational and professional communication. She is an educator at heart and teaches master’s courses through the University of Minnesota and the University of Denver. She also serves on the boards of Joy Collaborative, How To Be Second, and American Indian OIC. She and her husband Jason have four school-age and three adult children and enjoy spending time creating community and connection as newer Minnesotans.
Apple Podcasts Link For Show
Contact Summer:Linkedin – https://www.linkedin.com/in/summermiller/Website – https://www.sdmintegrativeconsulting.com
Contact Chris and LucieCheck out the Mastering Difficult Conversations Course https://myleadershippotential.com/master-difficult-conversations-how-to/Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/tas.difficultconvosYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TAS.difficultconversationsEmail – tas.difficultconversations@gmail.comChris – www.linkedin.com/in/chriswonglmhcLucie – www.linkedin.com/in/lucietesarova
