In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Mark McPherson, Leadership Communication Expert, Executive Coach, Speaker, and Author—for a deep dive into the art of handling difficult workplace conversations. Drawing on decades of experience coaching leaders and executives across Australia, Mark shares his practical frameworks for delivering feedback that is clear, constructive, and confident. Whether you’re managing high-performing teams or navigating your first leadership role, Mark’s insights offer actionable strategies to help you communicate with authority—without losing your humanity.
Mark begins by recounting the origin of his expertise: taking over a team where one toxic team member put his leadership to the test. Frustrated by the lack of useful, real-world advice available, he began developing his own methodologies focused on practical, immediate solutions rather than abstract theories. At the heart of his message is a simple but profound truth—avoiding tough conversations not only undermines team culture but also erodes a leader’s self-respect. For Mark, confident communication isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s a leadership essential.
Throughout the episode, Mark introduces his signature tool: personal conversation scripts. These scripts are designed to guide leaders through uncomfortable discussions using language that is assertive but tactful, clear but not combative. He explains how these scripts must be personalised to reflect each leader’s communication style, cultural context, and company environment. His advice? Focus on one issue at a time, be specific, and once you’ve made your point—zip it. Trying to address too many things at once only confuses the message and dilutes its impact.
Mark also highlights the importance of fact-based feedback. He warns against using vague or emotionally charged labels like “disrespectful” or “belligerent” and instead recommends sticking to observable behaviours. By referencing specific examples and tying them back to company policy—or even just common courtesy—leaders can reduce defensiveness and keep the conversation grounded. Consistency is another major theme: teams need to know the standards, and they need to see those standards applied evenly and fairly across the board.
In the final part of the conversation, Mark shares his FEA and FEAR frameworks—structured approaches that stand for Facts, Explain, Ask, and Request/Reward. These models give leaders a quick, repeatable format to address issues with calm authority. He walks through real-world examples, including how to handle something as seemingly simple (yet loaded) as a timesheet error. His closing message is one of balance: yes, some conversations are awkward, but with preparation, structure, and the right mindset, they can be delivered with both professionalism and empathy.
Topics Covered
- The cost of avoiding difficult conversations
- Origins of Mark’s communication framework
- Personal conversation scripts for leaders
- The “and another thing” trap
- Facts vs. subjective language in feedback
- Explaining the “why” using “because”
- Unwritten standards and team protocols
- FEA and FEAR feedback frameworks
- The importance of consistency in leadership
- Knowing when a conversation is the right approach
Important Time Stamps
- Tough Talks, Real Leadership: Mark’s Wake-Up Call (0:07 – 3:39)
- Say It—Then Zip It: The Art of Direct Feedback (3:40 – 9:04)
- The #1 Mistake Managers Make in Tough Talks (9:05 – 14:05)
- Facts, Then Because: Mark’s Formula for Feedback (14:06 – 17:05)
- The FEA Formula: Facts. Explain. Ask. (17:06 – 24:00)
- The One Script Every Manager Needs in Their Toolkit (24:02 – 30:00)
