Proven Methods For Managing Difficult Conversations

It took me 10 years to understand:

Difficult conversations are short-term discomfort that leads to long-term success.

I’ve always struggled with tough talks:

↳ I used to fear conflicts,
↳ I’d adapt to others to avoid arguments,
↳ I couldn’t say “no” to others and “yes” to myself.

And only then did I realize difficult talks aren’t the same as arguments.
You just need to know how to handle them.

Here’s a 10-step guide to becoming a pro at difficult conversations:

1. Prepare Ahead of Time
2. Choose the Right Time and Place
3. Use “I” Statements
4. Stay Calm and Respectful
5. Listen Actively
6. Seek Common Ground
7. Set Boundaries
8. Clarify Misunderstandings
9. Stay Solution-Focused
10. Follow Up

Difficult conversations always push us out of our comfort zones.

And it’s only outside of our comfort zones that we grow. ☝️