I believe it’s time to dispel a myth in leadership and management circles:
There are NO tough conversations!
Here are a few things I do believe are true:
- there are pieces of information we would rather not hear.
- without deciding what result / outcome we want from a conversation it can be awkward.
- conversations can be uncomfortable – for us.
- conversations can be uncomfortable – for the other person.
- there are people who we don’t want to spend time listening to.
- our priorities may not align with the people in the room.
- we may believe we are to busy to be bothered… with a topic OR the person.
The next time you are thinking a conversation is going to be tough, make sure you slow down – and figure out what is really going on.