Key aspects that help in managing difficult conversations

Each of us encounters situations to deal with difficult or crucial conversations could be in our professional or personal context. Here are some tips that we need to keep in mind.

·        Be clear of the objective/intent of your conversation and what you want to achieve as an outcome.

·        Assess the situation, what is the best and worst possible outcome

·        If the discussion is about claiming your space, remember each of us as human beings deserve that space and respect.

·        While you draw your boundaries, do it unapologetically, firm, yet with respect

·        Be prepared, if it is a tough conversation, practice, rehearse, choose your words carefully; be grounded, firm, and aware of your tone and body language.

·        Before and during the discussion, breathe; be aware of your somatic feeling and what you sense in your body.

·        Stay objective and direct as much as possible, manage your emotions – keep a check if the intensity of your feeling is proportional to the situation? Feel the emotion, however still be in charge. Choose wisely if you wish to be vulnerable and express your emotions. If it's anger, use the energy to be respectful of yourself and the other.

·        Call out the behavior which is an issue. Avoid blaming the person and getting into a blame game. View the person and the person’s behavior separately.

·        Ask for what you need or want and stay focused on the outcome, prompting a dialogue for deeper conversations.

·        Be open to the results, it could come as a surprise, maybe disappointments as well, and your readiness to move beyond that disappointment.

·        Appreciate yourself for taking the step towards having this conversation and seeing what you have learned from it.