How to have difficult conversations
If you find some conversations particularly confronting , take comfort in the fact that you are far from alone . Asking for a pay rise , raising concerns , apologizing for a mistake , delivering constructive criticisms are examples of just some of the types of things people often find difficult to talk about , says Karen Gately .
When the stakes are high , or emotions are charged many of us struggle to engage well . In many instances people either avoid the conversation altogether or approach it in ways that ultimately undermine relationships or leave issues unresolved .
Reflect for a moment on how often you have seen issues go unresolved or worsen because the people involved simply didn ’ t want to have a necessary chat . Have you or other people you know lived to regret your decision to let things slide so a difficult conversation , or series of them , could be avoided ?
Recognise when conversations are necessary The simple reality is some conversations are necessary to enable the outcomes we want in life . For example , building and maintaining healthy relationships based on trust and respect demands that we engage well in honest , albeit at times uncomfortable , conversations .
58 Executive PA | Summer Issue 2021