inCredible Communication
As a business owner or leader within an organisation, do you find yourself avoiding difficult conversations? If so, don't worry, you're not alone. We often find it easier to just sweep an annoying issue under the carpet, hoping that somehow it will magically sort itself out. It rarely does, and with avoidance the issue usually gets worse, creating resentment and anger, negative emotions that lead to a significant waste of energy.
Passive aggressive behaviour usually manifests as a result of avoiding the things you really want to say, and the relationship with the other person often deteriorates, to the detriment of the team and the business.
The biggest loss that comes about by avoiding the conversation, is the other party is denied the opportunity to address and improve the situation, as they most likely aren't even aware of it.
Some difficult conversations my clients have recently faced include:
Some of these situations may sound familiar to you as you've experienced them yourself, or there may be other situations that you've put off dealing with.
I used to struggle with difficult conversations myself, and I created the REAL conversation framework to give myself confidence in addressing difficult issues with my employees. I've now shared this framework with hundreds if not thousands of leaders and business owners, who have adopted it with great success.
The REAL Conversation is as follows:
R –Reality - Put your cards on the table outlining how you currently feel about the situation and ask what the reality is for the other person.
E – Expectation - What is the expected outcome you’re after by having this conversation?
A – Action - What action do you believe needs to take place in order for the expectation to be met?
L – Listen - Ask for their input on the solution and listen with an open mind. Be prepared to compromise on the action that you think needs to happen and adapt to their ideas while maintaining your boundaries. This way you’ll get the other person’s buy-in and without this, you may as well avoid the conversation for how effective it’s going to be.
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Change your Mindset around difficult conversations
By using the REAL conversation framework you can reframe your mindset around fear of having a CONFRONTATION with the other person, to you taking CONTROL of the situation in a kind and empathetic manner. The beautiful thing is that in the way you approach the conversation, the other person also has an element of control, and by getting their buy-in, there's a good chance they'll do their bit to meet the agreed expectation.
Before embarking on the difficult conversation it's a great idea to role-play the scenario with someone else beforehand or even just get clear in your own head, what you want to say.
The best thing about these sorts of conversations is that you are being REAL and honest in your communication and creating a positive connection with the other person that will result in desirable outcomes for both parties.
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Need further help? Don't hesitate to reach out on [email protected] to discuss how I can support you or your leaders and teams in broaching difficult conversations.
About Monica Rosenfeld
I am on a mission to facilitate human connection, through powerful communication.
I do this in three key ways:
1. Presenting my inCredible Communication keynotes at business/corporate, association, franchise, and member-driven organisations' conferences,
2. Facilitating workshops for leaders/teams within businesses
3. Working one-on-one with professionals
You can check out my website here: www.monicarosenfeld.com (keynotes) and www.incrediblecommunication.com.au (workshops and training)
I also run bi-monthly, in-person storytelling events called Stories that Stir, whereby six speakers share personal and raw stories based on a theme. The event is designed to break down barriers, stir conversation and inspire positive change. All stories are recorded live for the Stories that Stir podcast, available on all podcast apps including Apple and Spotify.
Boost your credibility with stories that sell. Cut out time wasters, improve lead quality, and close more sales: Success Stories, Case Studies and Advertorials written to prove you are the best supplier to use.
2 年Thanks, Monica Rosenfeld . I keep hearing again and again of examples in the public service and small in the business of issue avoidance, and of the fall out that follows. It is just as you describe. There is so much need in the work place for training in this area. Love your work.??