Common mistakes
What tends to make it harder
- Leading only with labels or assumptions about intent.
- Giving every detail before stating the main concern.
- Ending without saying what help you want.
Talk to HR practice
Practice raising a workplace concern with HR
HR will usually need more than a conclusion such as “this is unfair.” Practice explaining what happened, when it happened, how it affected your work, and what help you want.
Set up an HR conversation Up to five minutes · voice conversation
What to practice
Three jobs for this conversation.
- 01
Explain events in a clear order with dates or examples where possible.
- 02
Separate what you observed from what you think motivated it.
- 03
Ask what HR can keep private and what may need follow-up.
Useful moves
What to try instead
- Start with a one-sentence summary of the concern.
- Give two or three specific examples and their effect.
- Say what you have already tried.
- Ask who will do what next and when you should expect an update.
Practice, do not memorize
Try the conversation in your own words.
The voice responds differently as you listen, ask questions, and suggest a useful next step.