Conversation Planner · for managers
How to talk to an employee who interrupts people
Read the approach below, or skip ahead and get a plan written for your own situation.
Plan my conversation — free ↓Why the usual approach fails
Interrupters are usually engaged and quick, not rude, and they have no idea how often they do it. A general "you need to listen more" doesn't land because they believe they do listen. They need one concrete example and one concrete replacement behavior.
How to open
"I've noticed one habit I think is holding you back. On Thursday's client call, Dana was cut off three times mid-sentence. Your ideas were good — but I don't think the client heard them, because they were still finishing their own thought."
Ask before you tell
- "Were you aware of that in the moment?"
- "What's happening for you when you jump in?"
- "What could you do in that two-second gap instead?"
What to agree before you leave the room
A replacement habit — summarize what you heard before responding — and a count from the next three meetings.
Make it yours — free
Edit the details below to match your situation and get a full five-step COACH plan by email.
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Built on the COACH method by Jon Kludt, Business Coach · Certified EOS Implementer® · thecoachconversation.com