Department chairs and deans can prevent many issues from mushrooming into major problems through early intervention. Sometimes they delay difficult conversations with colleagues because they lack expertise to encourage change or to deliver bad news tactfully. How can the department chair or dean better understand why a faculty member is less effective than expected? What strategies can motivate and support faculty members to become more productive? What skills and strategies might chairs develop to facilitate difficult conversations? Participants will explore how to have a frank conversation with a colleague and will have an opportunity to practice proven techniques.