Getting Unstuck in Difficult Conversations
Difficult conversations are inevitable in life. As long as we are living and engaging with other people, we'll have to navigate a range of hard conversations. While those conversations may never feel easy, there are ways make the process easier to navigate.
Crystal Simmons, founder of Crystal Clear Purposes and host of the “Unstuck Yourself with Crystal Simmons” podcast, has a simple approach to dealing with these conversations. Using her signature framework, these are the five simple things you can do to get unstuck the next time you're facing a difficult conversation.
Getting Unstuck
Set your intentions. The journey to a successful conversation starts with setting clear intentions. Take a moment to reflect on your goals for the conversation. Whether you aim to resolve a conflict, seek understanding, or convey your perspective, having a singular focus will guide your approach.
Choose your safe space. The right environment can contribute significantly to your ability to express yourself authentically and listen empathetically. By consciously selecting your "go-to" safe space, you are more likely to feel grounded and confident during the conversation.
Initiate the conversation. Initiating a difficult conversation requires respect for everyone involved. Acknowledge that the other person's time is valuable and approach them with consideration. Express gratitude for their willingness to engage and set a positive tone from the very beginning.
Share your intentions. Clear is kind! Clearly articulate your intentions at the start of your conversation. Transparency about what you hope to achieve from the discussion promotes a sense of trust and honesty. Ambiguity can lead to confusion or mistrust, hindering progress.
Be curious. Approaching a difficult conversation with curiosity can help shift the perspective from adversarial to collaborative. Ask open-ended questions and actively listen to their responses. Embrace the opportunity to learn from their viewpoint, even if you disagree. Curiosity fosters empathy and promotes a shared commitment to finding solutions.