Difficult Conversations

Difficult Conversations – Having difficult conversations and addressing (perceived) ‘sensitive’ issues are not so easy for a lot of people.  And outside of potentially relieving stress they are critical to how you move forward confidently and productively in your career.

They are a key part to building authentic relationships built on trust and are linked to a growth mindset, emotional intelligence and elevating your personal brand and presence.  

And….if you did something to upset someone – wouldn’t you want to hear about it and have a chance to resolve it?   Don’t we trust people more who tell us the truth? (….YES)

…..So are those enough positive reasons to bravely engage in what you may think is a difficult conversation?   And by the way I just got back from presenting at a @NextUp Toronto mentoring event on the topic of “difficult conversations” and they were happy to reframe them as “meaningful conversations”.   

Here is a 7-step process to help you prepare for and then have the difficult (meaningful) conversation.

PREPARATION:

Step 1 – Clarify what is the ‘issue’ that needs to be addressed.   Give the issue details and be clear and succinct.

Step 2 – Reflect on the short-term impact.  How is the situation impacting you?

Step 3 – Reflect on the long-term impact if nothing changes.  What is at stake?

Step 4 – Reflect on your role in the situation.  Own your impact.

Step 5 – Brainstorm the best resolution or how you would like the situation to change in the future.

Step 6 – Reflect on your audience and their personality and possible reactions or objections. (Think about how you would respond)

THE CONVERSATION:

Step 7 – Plan out your conversation flow.  It can be as simple as a, b, c.

a)      State the issue and how it is making you feel or its impact.

b)      Indicate your desire to have a constructive conversation that….

c)      Helps resolve the issue and supports moving forward towards a common goal.

In Summary: Tackling Difficult Conversation = state issue + how it makes you feel or impact + proposed resolution + towards a common goal