In today’s episode, Pam is joined by Lisa Thompson, an experienced HR consultant and founder of Iona HR, to unpack one of the most common and often daunting challenges faced by managers: how to deal effectively with difficult situations in the workplace.Lisa brings nearly 30 years of HR expertise to small and medium-sized businesses across the UK, supporting leaders through the trickiest of people challenges, from underperformance to grievances and everything in between. Passionate about making quality HR accessible for all, Lisa’s practical advice helps managers feel equipped, not overwhelmed.Drawing from real-life scenarios, Lisa’s guidance cuts through theory with down-to-earth advice that is, as she puts it, “common sense with clear benefits”but often forgotten when emotions run high.Key topics and takeaways from this episode include:The importance of tackling issues early, rather than avoiding difficult conversations that (left unchecked) lead to snowballing problems for teams and organisations.Adopting a curious, open-minded approach—asking questions and fact-finding rather than leaping to assumptions or judgments, to get to the heart of what’s really going on.The critical nature of documenting as you go—keeping clear, factual records and following up with employees, not only to protect yourself legally but also to ensure clarity and transparency throughout any process.Navigating the world of Subject Access Requests (SARs) and GDPR, why every note, message, or recording could be subject to scrutiny, and how to communicate professionally, consistently, and respectfully at all times.Leading like an adult, demonstrating fairness, calmness, and consistency, while being aware of (and actively managing) your own unconscious biases to foster trust, maintain morale, and build high-performing teams.The conversation also offers real-world reflections from both Pam and Lisa, including stories of what can go wrong when these principles aren’t followed—and the benefits for retention, wellbeing, and team productivity when they are.Whether you’re a manager feeling daunted by your first formal conversation, an HR professional looking for reminders of best practice, or simply passionate about building better workplaces, this episode is for you.Contact Information & ResourcesIona HR – Lisa’s ConsultancyWebsite: ionahr.co.ukLinkedIn: Search "Lisa Thompson Iona HR" for HR insights and resourcesFurther Resources and Useful LinksACAS: Guidance on workplace disputes and resolving conflict www.acas.org.ukCIPD: Best practice in managing people issues www.cipd.co.ukInformation Commissioner's Office (ICO): Guidance on GDPR and Subject Access Requests www.ico.org.ukHealth & Safety Executive (HSE): Advice for managers on workplace wellbeing and legal compliance www.hse.gov.ukPam Molyneux, PM Business Support ServicesWebsite: https://www.pmbusinesssupportservices.co.uk/If you’d like more practical tools, templates, or support on anything covered in this episode, reach out to Lisa or Pam directly. And if you found these tips helpful, please subscribe and share Solve and Thrive, helping you turn challenges into opportunities for you and your teams.Disclaimer:The Solve & Thrive podcast is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We share practical strategies and lived experiences to help managers navigate challenging workplace situations, but you should always seek appropriate professional or legal guidance specific to your circumstances. As a manager, business owner, or HR professional, you are the expert on the unique context of the situation, so please do right by the individual circumstances. Our content and our guests contribution is intended as supportive tips and suggestions, not absolute solutions, and may not apply in every situation. Any legal or policy references discussed are accurate as of the date of recording and may not reflect current updates.