Why do we avoid difficult conversations? At some point, many of us have had to deliver the dreaded line, “We need to talk.” And this often precedes an argument rather than any conversation. Why are some conversations so difficult that we’ll do anything to avoid them? Possibly because: We are … [Read more...] about Disentangle Difficult Conversations
Search Results for: conversations
How Improv Comedy Improves Conversations at Work
Conversations at work can often feel more like political debates and battles between egos. People with strong points of view argue and debate without anyone moving toward solutions or common goals. Collaboration is difficult when conversations are competitive. Instead of dialoging together, … [Read more...] about How Improv Comedy Improves Conversations at Work
Empathy in Everyday Conversations
In everyday conversations – whether with friends, family or coworkers – most of us have an empathy deficit – or at least we don’t express it enough. Everyone wants to be seen, heard and appreciated. But not that many people - especially in workplaces - know how to communicate empathy so that others … [Read more...] about Empathy in Everyday Conversations
Add Meaning to Conversations with Power Questions
Asking good questions may be the most important, yet least developed, skill for personal and professional success. One popular belief holds that we win friends and new business by being clever and quick on our feet, and that our brilliance—saying just the right thing—is what attracts others. But … [Read more...] about Add Meaning to Conversations with Power Questions
Coaching Conversations:
Teaching People to Think
One cannot teach a man anything. One can only enable him to learn from within himself. ~ Galileo Galilei
With so many employees being paid to think, leaders and managers should find ways to cultivate their staffs’ cerebral capabilities to boost workplace performance.
But most leaders wouldn’t know … [Read more...] about Coaching Conversations:
Teaching People to Think
Tough Conversations: Talking Over What Really Matters
Some conversations are so difficult that we do anything to avoid them. Then, when things have really built up, we finally have no choice but to confront the issue, and the person. “We need to talk,” usually precedes an argument rather than a conversation. Why are such conversations difficult? … [Read more...] about Tough Conversations: Talking Over What Really Matters
Facing Conflict: Tough Conversations
“When conflict is ignored– especially at the top– the result will be an enterprise that competes more passionately with itself than with its competitors.” Howard M. Guttman, When Goliaths Clash, 2003 Managers spend an inordinate amount of time putting out fires, particularly interpersonal … [Read more...] about Facing Conflict: Tough Conversations
Real Leadership: Real Apology
When an apology is in order, how do leaders in your organization apologize? We can’t help but notice when it goes poorly. Sometimes, it’s a matter of people (or a person) not ready or able to forgive. And that’s understandable, especially when there is no attempt at restorative justice. Other … [Read more...] about Real Leadership: Real Apology
Confrontations that Create a Win-Win-Win
What has been your experience with confrontations? When did you last initiate one? Confronting someone for their behavior today is no easy feat, especially when emotions are easily triggered and opinions vary. When expectations are left unmet—including protocol infractions, civil disobedience, … [Read more...] about Confrontations that Create a Win-Win-Win
The New Face of Change Management
What does change management look like in your organization today? Leaders and managers are testing their assumptions and abilities in managing change as organizations, lines of business, and teams are asked to quickly pivot in their roles and responsibilities. Many employees are being asked to take … [Read more...] about The New Face of Change Management