Having healthy “crucial conversations” starts with you. Here’s how to make sure your motives and emotions allow for healthy dialogue.
Talking Points:
- Pay attention to your internal signs. Are you nervous or anxious about a situation or a person?
- Identify what you want and what you do NOT want out of the conflict. Do you believe that you can get both with the proper approach?
- Check your motives. Are you readying for a battle or are you open to hearing another point of view?
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Share about a recent interaction with a co-worker, friend or family member who upset or frustrated you. Identify what set you off. What emotions do you feel today when you reflect on that person/situation?
- Why is it important to first analyze your own thoughts and feelings before entering into a conversation with someone? What are the dangers if you don’t?
- Think about a workplace conflict you’re facing right now. When you think about having a conversation, what do you want to get out of that conversation? What don’t you want to happen? How do those things influence the way you’ll approach that person?
- What would it look like to be ready for battle in a conflict? What would it look like if you wanted peace and mutual understanding?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
