Remember when we could sweep an issue under the rug, put our head in the sand and pray it would go away?
Communication and the ability to influence is the #1 skill for every single one of us. Yet when conflict arises, it’s the first thing that gets tossed out the window.
Here are a few situations I’ve helped my clients navigate lately:
👉 A client works for a large Silicon Valley company. He’s a top, individual contributor yet is being asked to lead his teammates and do the job of two people. He is stressed and sleep-deprived. We talked about what to say to his boss but he said she wouldn’t understand.
👉 A client runs the Americas division for a well-known corporation. A member of his team is not cutting it, he’s not focused on bringing in more revenue. We discussed what he needs to say to his employee. He still hasn’t had the conversation.
👉A client’s in-laws came to stay the night and forgot to mention they weren’t feeling well. Oops. My client’s entire family got Covid. She was livid…how dare they? We discussed how to have “the honest conversation” so something like this wouldn’t happen again. She decided to not rock the boat.
👉 Another client is in real estate. She has a partner and for the last five years, helped build a thriving business. She now wants to pursue another career and told her partner but now she is avoiding her. We discussed how to have “the honest conversation” to get back on the same page.
Here are my 6 simple and proven communication strategies for any difficult conversation you embark on:
1. Be Prepared – Know what you want to say ahead of time
2. Be Clear – Keep it clear and concise
3. Be Confident – be strong in your point of view
4. Be Thoughtful – speak with compassion and empathy
5. Be Grounded – eliminate distractions, stay present and listen
6. Be Open – look for synergistic outcomes
You can have a connected conversation, stand in your truth, be kind and caring – AND – get the results you want.
I have helped hundreds of professionals get clear on how to say what they want to say. whether it be to a boss, employee, client, colleague, romantic partner, or friend.