Having Tough Conversations: What Leaders Can Learn From the Locker Room

Imagine walking into a locker room just moments after a crushing defeat. Players are angry, deflated, maybe even in tears — and then a sideline reporter steps up and asks the question nobody wants to hear.

That’s where Emmy Award-winning sports broadcaster and communications coach Jen Mueller thrives. With 25 years in Sports Journalism, covering high profile sports teams such as the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, and as founder of Talk Sporty to Me, Jen has mastered the art of having tough conversations under pressure.

In this episode of Sticky From The Inside, Jen reveals what leaders can learn from the sports world about facing into tough conversations with clarity, honesty, and respect. From avoiding false praise to creating psychological safety, she shares practical tools to help managers and teams tackle difficult moments without damaging trust.

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Key Takeaways

• Avoidance erodes trust. Not having tough conversations leaves people guessing — and usually assuming the worst.
• Be honest with praise. Empty compliments damage credibility; accurate feedback builds respect.
• Clarity reduces fear. Preparation and specific goals make difficult conversations easier and more effective.
• Respect the person. Tough moments handled with care can strengthen relationships, not break them.

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Key Moments

The key moments in this episode are:

0:01:10 – Why tough conversations matter more than ever in leadership
0:02:43 – Meet Jen Mueller: Emmy-winning sports journalist and communications coach
0:05:19 – From the side lines to the office: lessons from 25 years in sport
0:09:27 – Why leaders avoid tough conversations (and the cost of silence)
0:15:04 – The danger of false praise and how it kills credibility
0:21:14 – “If you’re not willing to have that conversation, you lose trust”
0:26:41 – Clarity, preparation, and why leaders shouldn’t “wing it”
0:32:38 – Respect, emotions, and reading the room under pressure
0:38:16 – Turning tough conversations into relationship-building moments
0:43:55 – Jen’s three Sticky Notes of advice

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Useful Links

Follow Jen Mueller on LinkedIn here

Follow Jen Mueller on Instagram here

Follow Jen Mueller on X here here

Find the "Talk Sporty To Me" website here

----more---- Full Episode Transcript

Get the full transcript of the episode here