Defining difficult conversations
It’s never nice to be in a situation that’s unpleasant. We all have a natural desire to avoid such occasions, but unfortunately, there are times when we have to tough it out. We’ll all have arguments; all have feelings of regret and guilt. All of us will go through these difficult moments, but it’s what you do in these moments that can really change everything. An unpleasant situation that all of us will go through, is when we’ll have difficult conversations. This conversation often revolves around a single subject, where both parties have very differing opinions, and the resolution can often be very emotional. For example, being rejected for something whether it’s an application, a job or a potential relationship are all cases of difficult conversations. What’s important to know, is how to deal with these appropriately, both when giving bad news and receiving it. There’s a multitude of different reactions and outcomes that can come from a difficult conversation, so, if you want to resolve it and leave it with both parties satisfied, understanding difficult conversations, and knowing the best way to go about them is a very useful skill to learn.
Navigating through these stormy seas of difficult conversations requires a compass of empathy, active listening, and assertiveness. Empathy allows us to put ourselves in another person’s shoes, enabling a supportive and understanding environment. It aids in softening the impact of the difficult messages we might have to deliver or receive. Remember, the goal is not just to get through the conversation, but to emerge from it with clarity, a sense of resolution, and mutual respect.
Active listening is another crucial component in handling difficult conversations. It involves fully focusing, understanding, remembering, and responding thoughtfully to the messages conveyed by the other party. Active listening allows for a two-way street of communication, ensuring that both parties feel heard and valued, making the process of reaching a resolution smoother and more constructive.
It’s also essential to maintain a sense of assertiveness throughout the conversation. Assertiveness allows you to express your thoughts, feelings, and needs openly and honestly while respecting the other person’s perspective. It creates a balance, ensuring that the conversation doesn’t sway towards aggression or passivity, facilitating an outcome that is fair and reasonable for both parties.