Human Relations - Topics & Resources: Difficult Conversations

When conversation is serious, don't joke. Don't be unpredictable.

Increasing predictability, by

1. continuously orienting other person to where you are,
2. what you've covered, and
3. where you are going

will help them relax and trust you.

1. Schedule
2. Sit down
3. Set agenda early

1. Gather information before you give information (shut up and listen)  Ask open questions...what or how
2. Aim to establish a shared understanding. It sound to me like you feel...Then ask if you can share your pov.
3. Always to agree to a plan. Ask them what should happen next.

6 ways to increase predictability and decrease anxiety wrt difficult conversations.

1. Set the agenda - start with what you want to talk about

2. Explain next steps -

"I'm going to ask you some questions about your past medical history,

what I think may be going on,

and then what we are going to do about it."

3. Asking permission + empowerment (be prepared for a negative)

"Asking them if they want to talk about..."

4. Parking lot  for distractions - thank you for sharing, it sounds like and important issue, is it OK if we come back to it later?

5. The warning shot. I'm really sorry I have difficult info to share with you...may need to do multiple times.  

6. Sorry, I need to interrupt you...(see # 4) pivot back on track.

7. I'm going to be rude now..I have some really direct questions, ...going to give you my opinion about that...

Use the skill of shared thinking:  You need to share your thinking...why the conversation is even happening...before you ask a hard question.  Ask for more information instead of asking why did you do "that".