Difficult Truths, Skillful Conversations Pt 2

Overview

In Pt 1 of Difficult Truths, Skillful Conversations, we looked at ways to bring up constructive criticism that leads to results, not fights. 

In Pt 2, we’re going to look at skillful conversation in a much higher-stakes environment: a Crucial Conversation.

Drawing on the excellent book by the same name, we’ll look at how to skillfully approach Crucial Conversations (emotional, high-stakes dialogues) in ways that give us the best chance of healthy resolution. These kinds of conversations can be excruciating, confusing, and intimidating, but they don’t have to be. While they will never be easy, with training they can become easier. 

Everything we covered in Pt 1 applies here, with the addition of a new key concept. 

Emotional Safety. 

This is the foundation upon which all our work must be built, particularly when tensions are high and both parties have a vested interest.

So let’s dive into this! We’ll start by looking at the three keys by which we create Emotional Safety.