“I hate having difficult conversations – it’s feels like Russian Roulette”
This is the type of response I get when asking my clients how they feel about difficult conversations.
The cluster of:
- Difficult negotiations,
- Dealing with difficult people,
- Conducting difficult conversations,
- Dealing with the unacceptable, whilst keeping trust and respect,
are amongst the most sought-after skills by managers, supervisors and leaders, as well as us in our various life relationships!
They belong together, because that cluster can often occur in the one encounter.
They can be with subordinates, peers or supervisors and more senior leaders, clients, other stakeholders and even with unexpected random people, and of course our loved ones!
Knowing that a difficult conversation is about to occur can be very stressful.
Stressed people are unable to think as clearly or respond as they otherwise could.
Avoidance is common and that almost guarantees that the situation will worsen.
Yet the skill can be readily learned.
Whilst the rudiments can be learned online, or from written material, mastery will occur with live interactive development and coaching, practice and immediate feedback.
My background prior to the last two decades as an executive coach, leading in the military, law-enforcement overt and covert operations and then commerce, has given me the training, experience and expertise to help my clients master these crucial skills.
If this interests you why not check out my workshop here.
