Managing tough workplace discussions demands delicate handling, planning and emotional intelligence. Below is a brief outline on how:

• Prepare: Know what you want to achieve and get hold of the necessary numbers and data.
• Select the Correct Time and Place: Create an environment with less noise and space when talking.
• Touch on Positive Points at the Beginning: Start from a joint standpoint.
• Try Using Your Own Words: Speak from your understanding without directly pointing fingers at people.
• Active Listening: Actually be interested in what they are saying.
• Stay Calm: You have to manage your emotions and stay professional.
• Take Note of the Issue, Not the Person: You should address the problem, and not personality.
• Agree on Common Ground: Try to find some areas on which you both agree.
• Put Forward Solutions: Come up with some constructive proposals for resolving the issue.
• Follow Up: Make sure that the two of you understand each other and have a consensus on what should be done next.

Remember, the aim is to tackle issues in ways that enable maintenance of respect and productivity in the work-relations.