Navigating Difficult Conversations: Insights from the Building Better Developers Podcast
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Release Date: 01/30/2025
PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the real impact of not taking time off. Titled “PTO: Taking Breaks,” the episode is a candid, at times humorous, look at why stepping away from work is crucial, not just for employees, but for entrepreneurs, managers, and developers alike. 🛑 PTO Taking Breaks Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity Rob admits he preaches taking time off but struggles to follow his own advice. Michael shares a cautionary tale about being the only person at his company who could handle a...
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Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive deep into a critical—but often misunderstood—element of project management: setting deadlines. This episode goes beyond the basics of timelines and introduces the psychology, strategy, and communication needed to make deadlines effective, not stressful. Why Setting Deadlines Matters for Business Projects Deadlines define a project’s rhythm. As Rob puts it, “the deadline is the finish line.” It’s not just about when code is complete—it’s about when the product is ready for...
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Building Customer Trust in Business: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the latest Building Better Developers podcast episode, co-hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss an uncomfortable but essential part of doing business: what to do when you make a mistake. More specifically, they explore how turning errors into opportunities can be a powerful tool for building customer trust in business, strengthening relationships, and creating long-term success. 🎧 Listen Now: Why Building Trust Matters More Than Being Flawless No business is perfect. Mistakes are part of growth. What truly separates successful companies is how they respond...
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Customer Communication Strategies: How To Improve Client Interactions
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
“The more you can adjust your communication to fit your customer, the more effective you’ll be.” – Rob Broadhead In this episode of Building Better Developers, part of the Building Better Businesses season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore customer communication strategies. From tone and timing to tools and follow-up processes, they share real stories and practical tips that every developer and entrepreneur should know. Tone and Timing: Keys to Effective Customer Communication Strategies One of the top takeaways? Tone matters. Even when following up...
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Pitching Your Business: Start Conversations That Drive Growth
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Welcome back to the Building Better Developers podcast recap! This season, Building Better Businesses is all about practical ways to improve your entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, “Pitch Party: Pitching Your Business,” hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche unpack what it means to pitch your business — and how to do it effectively. Whether you’re refining your elevator pitch or creating a full pitch event, this episode explains why authentic conversations are the heart of successful business growth. Why Pitching Your Business Is About Connection, Not Just Sales ...
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How to Build a Sustainable Business: From Idea to Execution
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this insightful episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle a key theme for entrepreneurs: transitioning from a flexible side hustle to building a sustainable business. The conversation is rooted in experience, realism, and the kind of long-term thinking that separates temporary income from lasting impact. The Mindset Shift: From Side Hustle to Building a Sustainable Business Many great businesses begin as side projects, but success requires more than passion. Rob and Michael clarify that building a sustainable business means thinking...
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Product Enhancement Strategies: How to Add Value Without Adding Bloat
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the Building Better Developers podcast episode, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share valuable insights into effective product enhancement strategies. They explore how businesses can improve and expand their products and services without adding unnecessary complexity or sacrificing quality. If you’re a business owner, product manager, or developer, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to grow your offerings sustainably in a customer-focused manner. Why Product Enhancement Strategies Matter Rob opens the discussion by pointing out that...
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Product Placement Strategy: How to Position Your Product or Service for Success
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the Building Better Developers podcast, in the season Building Better Businesses, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive deep into one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of building a successful business—product placement strategy. This episode explores how intentional product and service placement can shape your brand, attract the right customers, and set you up for long-term success. What Is Product Placement Strategy? Rob opens the conversation by highlighting the critical role of placement when launching or scaling a business. Whether...
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How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share actionable insights on digital marketing for small businesses. Part of their Building Better Businesses season, the episode explores how to create marketing that connects, converts, and scales — especially for developer-entrepreneurs building tech-forward brands. Why Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Starts with the Right Message Before diving into platforms or tactics, Rob emphasizes the importance of having a clear message. Digital marketing for small businesses doesn’t...
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Business Networking Strategies: How to Build Real Relationships That Grow Your Business
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast’s “Building Better Businesses” season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore business networking strategies that go far beyond the typical card-swapping routine. If you’re tired of awkward mixers and forced conversations, this episode offers a refreshing take on how to grow your business by forming authentic, lasting connections. Rethinking Business Networking Strategies: Ditch the Script Rob opens the discussion by challenging conventional approaches to networking. Rather than focusing on formal events...
info_outlineIn a recent Building Better Developers podcast episode, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche delve into the art of handling difficult conversations. This episode serves as a follow-up to their previous discussion on fostering discussions, providing valuable insights into managing tough topics professionally and personally.
Understanding Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are those that evoke stress, hesitation, or anxiety. Whether asking for a raise, addressing performance issues, or discussing personal matters, these conversations often feel daunting due to our assumptions about their outcomes. As Rob points out, we frequently anticipate the worst-case scenario, which can lead to unnecessary worry and procrastination.
Key Strategies for Handling Difficult Conversations
- Breaking Down Assumptions
One of the biggest obstacles in difficult conversations is our tendency to assume negative outcomes. Rob emphasizes that many times, the conversation turns out to be far easier than expected. Rather than fearing resistance, it's essential to approach discussions with an open mind and let the other party contribute their perspective. - Active Listening in Difficult Conversations
Effective listening is crucial during challenging discussions. Michael highlights the importance of listening without interrupting or formulating responses prematurely. By truly understanding the other person's viewpoint, we can address concerns more effectively and foster a productive dialogue. - Timing and Preparation for Difficult Conversations
Timing plays a critical role in how a conversation unfolds. Rob suggests not diving into difficult topics when emotions are running high. Instead, allowing time for reflection before addressing sensitive issues can lead to more constructive outcomes. - Providing Solutions in Difficult Conversations
Instead of approaching conversations with a list of grievances, Michael advises coming prepared with potential solutions. This proactive approach demonstrates problem-solving skills and can turn a challenging discussion into a collaborative effort. - Minimizing Overthinking in Difficult Conversations
Overanalyzing and dwelling on potential negative outcomes often exacerbate the stress associated with difficult conversations. Rob recommends addressing issues head-on rather than allowing them to fester, as delaying only increases anxiety and complicates the situation.
Real-World Application of Difficult Conversations
The podcast hosts share personal anecdotes illustrating these strategies in action. Rob recounts experiences where he anticipated client pushback but was met with positive feedback instead. Michael reflects on his approach to job interviews, emphasizing the value of experiencing the process firsthand to overcome anxiety.
The 7-Day Challenge for Difficult Conversations
To encourage listeners to apply these principles, the hosts present a 7-day challenge:
- Each day, identify a difficult conversation you need to have.
- Schedule it as soon as possible rather than postponing it.
- Observe how your assumptions compare to the actual outcome.
- Reflect on how addressing these conversations impacts your productivity and relationships.
Closing Thoughts on Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of life, but approaching them with the right mindset can become opportunities for growth and improvement. Whether in software development or daily interactions, embracing open dialogue, listening actively, and addressing issues head-on can lead to better outcomes and less stress.
Tune into the Building Better Developers podcast for more insights, and don't hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences with the hosts. As they emphasize, growth comes from facing challenges, not avoiding them.
For more tips on professional development, check out the Building Better Developers podcast and follow their journey toward better habits and effective communication.
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