Embracing Difficult Discussions: How to Have a Crucial Conversation
When we avoid difficult conversations, we trade short-term discomfort for long-term dysfunction.
– Peter Bromberg
INTRO
Having difficult conversations is, well, difficult. However, these are also often the most crucial and urgent conversations to have. Many leaders have voiced that it has been hard to have those tough conversations and maybe wait too late to have them. This resource and reflection activity can help guide you toward having these conversations, and at an appropriate time.
OBJECTIVES
- Identify which elements of crucial conversations you struggle with and which you do well with
- Brainstorm ways you can leverage your communication strengths and develop your areas of improvement
- Revisit this activity and your own reflections before your next crucial conversation. Apply. Reflect again.
ACTIVITY
- Review the provided resource
- Identify which elements of crucial conversations you struggle with and which you do well with
- It may help to think about the most recent and/or most difficult crucial conversation you’ve had
- Using the resource, brainstorm ways you can leverage your communication strengths and develop your areas of improvement
- Revisit this activity and your own reflections before your next crucial conversation. Apply. Reflect again.
TIPS
- If you feel comfortable, complete this activity as a leadership team – everyone may benefit (individually and collectively) from each others’ diverse areas of strength
Responses