Difficult Conversations

Why do we avoid conversations where we know there will be disagreement, even when they’re essential to resolve for the sake of the work, or the relationship? Duh, because it’s hard—it makes us uncomfortable, it signals our “fight or flight” instincts, it threatens our relationships. And because it takes a lot of skill to manage a conversation where stakes are high and emotions run strong. Authors Patterson, Grenny, McMillan and Switzler addressed this topic with a methodology described in their best-selling book, Crucial Conversations. Based on her own experience and that of her clients, Linda Lubin Thompson streamlined their methodology into a straightforward behavioral framework. Participants should come to the workshop with an example in mind of a difficult conversation they need to have, have been avoiding, or one that didn’t go well. You’ll walk out with a plan for how to skillfully conduct a tough conversation that gives you the results you want.