We Have to Talk: A Step-By-Step Checklist for Difficult Conversations
Think of a conversation youve been putting off. Got it? Great. Then lets go.
There are dozens of books on the topic of difficult, crucial, challenging, important (you get the idea) conversations (I list several at the end of this article). Those times when you know you should talk to someone, but you dont. Maybe youve tried and it went badly. Or maybe you fear that talking will only make the situation worse. Still, theres a feeling of being stuck, and youd like to free up that stuck energy for more useful purposes.
What you have here is a brief synopsis of best practice strategies: a checklist of action items to think about before going into the conversation; some useful concepts to practice during the conversation; and some tips and suggestions to help your energy stay focused and flowing, including possible conversation openings.
Youll notice one key theme throughout: you have more power than you think.
Working on Yourself: How To Prepare for the Conversation
Before going into the conversation, ask yourself some questions:
1. What is your purpose...