Navigating Crucial Conversations: The Art of Speaking Unpleasant Truths Persuasively!
In the words of Ambrose Bierce, “Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”
Yet “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter” per Martin L. King, Jr.
True and True!
Most challenging for team leaders, team members – well darn near everyone – is to engage in an unpleasant dialogue. More specifically, tell other individuals something you know they will not want to hear. And to handle it persuasively, not abrasively! Some examples …
Giving your boss feedback
Critiquing the work of a direct report
Talking to a teammate who isn’t keeping commitments
Addressing poor performance
Yes – it is time for a Crucial Conversation! Initiating a Crucial Conversation is hard! According to research, people either avoid them, start one to only crash and burn, or just do it and succeed. Crucial Conversations are so important, a book with that title has been authored, plus an updated second edition. Millions of copies have been sold.
A lot of energy has been devoted to the topic, which is defined as a discussion between two or more people where
1.) The stakes are high
2.) Opinions vary
3.) Emotions run strong.
There are no easy answers! However, there are tools to help prepare you for the unexpected. After all, you can control your actions and words (or can you?), and you might be able to somewhat anticipate the words/emotions of the other(s) which may be why the reason for avoidance/procrastination.
Helpful tools include Quality Communications, understanding DISC behavioral styles, good preparation, and tapping into your Emotional Intelligence. A coach can be a good (and confidential) sounding board. Help you anticipate and work with you to prepare a game plan that has the best chance of a win-win outcome.
For more information, contact us at info@thequalitycoach.com.