9 | The Courage To Have Difficult Conversations

WITH ANDREA CRISP

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About This Podcast:

Have you ever been paralyzed with fear over the thought of having a difficult conversation? In this episode of The Couragecast, I share with you a conversation I had with my friend Kate Tenkate about how we have navigated tough conversations in our personal and professional lives. 

To find out more about the Enneagram, visit www.exploreyourtype.com/details. 

 
 
 
 

01 \ Name your fears.

Ask yourself...

  1. What are the consequences if I do nothing?

  2. Am I willing to accept those consequences?

02 \ What is the potential benefit?

  • What is the purpose of this conversation, and what will it serve?

  • Be objective and leave your ego at the door so you can sort through the context of the conversation.

03 \ Build a bridge.

  • Own your part in the relationship and take responsibility for the consequences.

  • It’s ok if you have differing opinions, and allow the other person to share their heart with you.

  • Accept what they have to say with an open spirit.

04 \ Extend grace.

  • Don't be defensive.

05 \ Be real about your expectations.

  • You can set the emotional tone. 

Things NOT to do:

  1. Hastily respond in an email, voice message or heaven forbid a social media post.

  2. Tell everyone around you about the problem you are having with that individual. It is likely to get solved, and when it does, you will regret having been the one to ‘over-share’.

  3. Get upset when you don’t have context about the situation. The individual may be going through something that has absolutely nothing to do with you. Don’t make it about you if it’s not about you, to begin with. 

  4. Be manipulative with your words or actions, don’t bring shame on them unnecessarily. 

 

Do you find yourself uncertain of how to move your life forward. Are you ready to reignite your confidence and change your perspective on what you are fully capable of? Let’s have a conversation to find out what is really holding you back, so that you reframe your mindset, and get the clarity you need to move forward both personally and professionally.