Ouch

It used to be that we had sensitive subjects. Now, everything is sensitive and it seems to me that people are less willing to have difficult conversations. In fact, I have seen and experienced many people choose to walk away from relationships rather than have tough discussions. Reality is, we can only control ourselves and if people want to walk rather than collaborate, that is there right to do. Most of the time you will not miss those individuals when you reflect on your willingness to talk it out…and their desire to not.

All of that being said, we can still be better. We can still try to be more sensitive when we are dealing with delicate subjects and people’s feelings. If interested in critical actions to up your level.

If you want to be at your best when having conversations that have sensitive subjects, consider the following tips and reminders:

1. Have a good “Disarming Statement” to gain entry into the discussion
2. Give and Ask, Don’t take and Tell
3. Do not own and physically live out their energy/problems – boundaries
4. Offer and Invite
5. Pace yourself and keep yourself out of the story
6. Listen to understand, not to problem solve
7. Ask questions without judgement
8. Sit with distress without trying to 'make it better'
9. Remember to use silence and W.A.I.T. -- “Why Am I Talking?”
10. Remember how your energy shows up in silence matters

Sometimes it is better to reminded than to be told. Hopefully you got a reminder on something you have been wanting to do or do better. Or, you got a new nugget that you can apply to your life immediately. When we are better we help others be better, even when they don’t know they are being better. You got this!

Wishing you all the best!

Dave