Let’s face it — not every working relationship goes to plan.
Sometimes, despite best intentions, tension builds, trust wears thin, and communication breaks down. You might notice someone keeping their distance, pushing back on direction, or leaving you out of the loop. At the same time, they might feel like they’re being overlooked, or even that their job is at risk.
It’s a tough space to be in — but it’s not a dead end.
At Better HR Co., we often help employers have reset conversations — real, respectful chats that acknowledge where things are at and create a path forward that works for everyone.
What’s a reset conversation?
A reset conversation is your way of saying:
“Things haven’t been great, and we both know it. But let’s start fresh and figure out a better way to work together.”
It’s not about blame. It’s about:
• Saying what needs to be said, respectfully
• Clearing the air
• Being honest about how the current dynamic is affecting the team
• Recommitting to better communication and trust
What to say (and how to say it)
Here’s a simple script you can use — or make your own — when you’re ready to have that reset conversation.
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1. Start with a calm, genuine tone
“Hey, thanks for making the time to catch up. I know things have been a bit rocky lately, and I don’t want to ignore that. I’d really like us to have a proper chat so we can reset and figure out how to move forward.”
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2. Be upfront about what you’re seeing
“From my side, I’ve noticed a few things — some tension, some breakdowns in communication — and it’s starting to affect the wider team. It’s not a great space for either of us, and I don’t think we can keep going the way we have been.”
3. Acknowledge how they might be feeling
“I’ve also heard that you’re feeling pretty unsettled — maybe like someone’s after your job or that you’re not being treated fairly. That’s tough, and I want you to know I’m not brushing those feelings off. If something’s not sitting right, let’s talk about it.”
4. Share what needs to change
“What we really need is clearer communication — between us and with the rest of the team. That means being upfront about what we’re working on, checking in more regularly, and not letting things fester or get taken the wrong way.”
5. Suggest a fresh start
“So, I’d like us to draw a bit of a line in the sand and start fresh. From here, let’s both commit to being open, respectful, and honest — even when it’s awkward. Let’s check in more, keep each other in the loop, and give each other the benefit of the doubt.”
6. Ask what they need from you
“What do you think? What do you need from me to help us get back on track and rebuild that trust?”
7. Set a follow-up and show your commitment
“Let’s check in again in a few weeks to see how things are going. And if anything crops up before then — on either side — let’s agree to talk to each other first.”
Why it’s worth doing
It’s easy to let things slide when a relationship at work feels hard. But the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to fix. A reset conversation gives both people the chance to speak honestly, clear the air, and build something more workable.
You don’t need to solve everything in one chat. But you do need to start somewhere.
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Need help preparing for the conversation?
That’s what we’re here for. At Better HR Co., we help leaders feel more confident handling the messy, human side of people management — including the tough conversations that need to happen.
