Today’s topic is how to have Difficult Conversations, and why it is important to be prepared.  A difficult conversation is a discussion that involves sensitive topics, opposing viewpoints, or strong emotions. These conversations can be emotionally charged and may lead to conflict or disagreement. Often, difficult conversations are necessary and have the potential to have a significant impact (high stakes). The conversation may have the potential to be contentious with opposing opinions and/or can trigger strong emotions.  The different parties may have competing interests, goals, and/or values.  It is important to project empathy during the conversation and engage in active listening.  Avoiding assumptions about the other person’s intention is often a critical step. Understanding the historical and current context is also important.  Cultural differences among the parties and/or power differentials can complicate an already difficult conversation.  However, difficult conversations can be crucial for building relationships, working through problems, and identifying solutions.

Quick Reads

How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Burning Bridges by Harvard Business Review

How to Navigate Difficult Conversations with Employees HBR Online

How to Control Your Emotions During a Difficult Conversation HBR

Leaders Must Be Willing to Have Difficult Conversations by Lead You First

Handling Difficult Conversations – 10 Tips for Leaders by The Training Associates

Holding Difficult Conversations: Tips for Leaders by Forbes

5 Steps for Tackling Difficult Conversations by Center for Creative Leadership

5 Crucial Conversations for Leaders to Have in the Workplace by Forbes

Difficult Conversations at Work by BetterUp

Videos/Ted Talks

3 Ways to Lead Tough, Unavoidable Conversations (Tedx Talk)

Difficult Conversations Made Easy (Ted Talk)

How to be Great at Difficult Conversations (Tedx Talk)

How to Disagree Productively and Find Common Ground (TedTalk)

What Productive Conflict Can Offer a Workplace (TedTalk)

Three Ways to Lead Tough, Unavoidable Conversations (TedTalk)

Deeper Dives

Books

Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most by Stone, Patton, and Heen

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler

Radical Candor by Kim Scott (Revised)

Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts. By Brene Brown

Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work and in Life One Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott

Journal Articles

Managing Difficulty Conversations: An Essential Communication Skill for All Professionals and Leaders (Prober et al, 2022)

Feel free to forward to others in your network and bring these topics to your next coaching session for deeper discussion and reflection. If you have a topic request, feedback, or would like to unsubscribe please email wendy@wardcc.org.