Difficult conversations

The Daily Drip

There's a kind of conversation that we have with others that is difficult because we are right and they are wrong.

Normally, we're totally nice and respectful people, but not right now--we're justified.

In the name of righteousness, we interrupt, point fingers and say things like "you always do this."

In these moments, we are so wrong.

Here's a trick I learned from a friend who facilitates difficult conversations for a living:

"Try listening to understand instead of listening to win."

When we do the emotional labor of pushing ourselves to listen genuinely, we are more likely to better understand someone else's viewpoint as well as to make that person feel heard long enough to speak ourselves.

Here's a quick little list of things you can focus on in a difficult conversation.

For future reference, its in the "Personal Development" folder in the VAULT you all have access to. ;)