Have you ever taken note of how many words you say in a day?
Some of our conversations are typically superficial, like ordering pizza or making small talk. But we also have a few deeply meaningful ones that can transform our lives. These conversations are so impactful and critical that a single word or reaction within them can be game-changing within our key relationships, teams, and business. Especially when saying what you need to, becomes difficult.
Conversations are the golden threads that enable us to move towards trusting relationships with others but without the skills and clarity on how to prevent these threads from unraveling, you will find it difficult to pinpoint where your conversations are going wrong.
As a Coach, Mediator, and Facilitator, I see this every day and I will give you some starter tips that I believe will help you to become more skilled in managing your high stake conversations:
1. Practice
to differentiate and adapt to the type of conversations you are in so you can apply better listening, expressing and connecting with others in a clear and transparent way
2. Develop
An understanding of the ways conversations can trigger various emotional responses and skill up on your emotional intelligence to better read those cues.
3. Become
more aware of your thinking – Do you want to be right, no matter what? Do you want to control the narrative? Or do you come from a place of compassion and mutual understanding?
4. Develop
your interpersonal skills – your emotional self-control. Compassion, listening with curiosity, and respond effectively, not just react.
Conversations are dynamic, interactive, and inclusive. They evolve and impact the way we connect, shape others’ mindsets, and influence outcomes in collaborations.
Conversations lay the foundation of trust and connection with others and give us the ability to breach the gaps in our understanding of others.
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?