Are you facing or avoiding important conversations?
Do you find yourself in a situation where you need to have an important conversation with someone but you don’t know where to start or what reaction you should expect?
I know that the anticipation of having a sensitive conversation can be daunting, especially if you fear that you are not in the right mindset or unsure of where it may lead if you open up.
It is always important to evaluate your motivations and the potential consequences of having a conversation since once things are said, you can not take them back.
I believe, in most cases, it is not wise to stay silent and hope that the situation resolves itself. Avoiding a conversation or not having it at the right time, most likely will lead to more misunderstanding, conflict, or simply prevent you from getting what you want because by staying silent you are giving your power away to others to decide for you.
If you are finding it difficult to approach or navigate important conversations, let me assure you that you are not alone. Most of us have never been taught how to approach and engage in difficult conversations. In addition to that, there is in my opinion still too little guidance out there that helps people effectively identify and navigate these daunting, must-have conversations.
The kind of conversations that make a real difference in our lives.
Therefore, let me share with you a few starter tips on how to become better and more confident at managing important conversations:
1. Accept
Accept that it is not realistic to expect that we can completely eliminate our fear and anxiety to have difficult conversations, but rather expect to increase our capacity and courage to have them.
2. Make
Make stepping into high stake conversations a life-long practice of growth and personal development. Your feelings and concerns are important. Voicing them and allowing others to voice their’s, even if deep down, you find it very difficult to have this conversation, is showing respect to yourself and to the relationships you are sharing with others.
3. Improve
Improve your skills and approach by looking at your ways of thinking and communicating. In this way, you can make immense internal shifts, adopt a more flexible viewpoint about where issues are, and find better processes to make impossible conversations (more) possible.
4. Always remember
Always remember facing or avoiding sensitive and challenging conversations is a choice that you own! You can end self-imposed suffering and frustration by developing your ability to effectively express yourself and understand the other persons’ point of view.
5. No shame
There is no shame in asking for support to prepare and even practice for difficult conversations to increase chances of reaching mutually satisfying outcomes.
Remember that your conversations create your life and everything in it. Your words have an impact on others and your relationships in the long term. The quality of your conversations and cooperation with others will define the quality of your key relationships, mental wellbeing, and success.
How ready are you for daring conversations that might change your life and relationships?
