Difficult conversations
Start writing a post
Life Stages

3 Tips For Tackling Difficult Conversations

At work and at home.

38
3 Tips For Tackling Difficult Conversations
https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-agreement-blur-brainstorming-630839/

In life, difficult conversations will always be plentiful. As we grow and change and mature, situations will present that will challenge us and make us uneasy. But in those situations, there is always an opportunity to grow. In my youth, having difficult conversations was terrifying, to say the least. But as I have grown a little older and wiser, I actually look forward to having difficult conversations and this is the reason why?

No, I don't love drama

And that's why difficult conversations are a must. Some people think that having a difficult conversation head on will create more drama and make things more difficult, but I feel quite the opposite. Usually, whether professionally or personally, when there is tension or misunderstanding and/or breached boundaries, this will foster drama. Especially if it is a work situation when you are working with or around someone all the time. Or personally, when they are family by blood or marriage.

When you are inserted into a new situation, for example you land a new job, no matter the size of the company, there is usually a pecking order. When you join you are the "new kid on the block" and until the pecking order settles, it's likely that people will challenge you. This is true of new or recently formed familial bounds; when you cannot avoid the person, then difficult situations are a must and here are 3 tips to help you do just that:

Start with the end goal in mind

Shoot to Score

pexels.com

Before you begin your conversation, think about your goal. If your goal is to tell the other person off, it just won't work. Plain and simple. But if your goal is to foster a more positive relationship and environment then tailor your language to foster that.

Don't play the blame game

Point Finger

pexels.com

Tailoring your language means no blaming and no finger pointing. Instead, try to communicating form a balanced view and frame things in a way in which the recipient can truly listen and hear what you are trying to say

Make sure you listen too

Listen, listen, listen

pexels.com

That means, listening goes both ways. Before you speak listen and think through what is being communicated back to you. Do your best not to take offense. And start as you mean to go on with the end goal in mind.


Difficult conversations are never easy. In fact, no one ever wants to have a difficult conversation. But in order to resolve conflict, they are a must. An absolute must. They enable you to erect barriers and put boundaries in place that foster a more positive environment in the long run. So while they are uncomfortable in the short run, they foster more positive environment. The more you practice, the better you will get at it until one day conflict altogether will become a thing of the past, because you've learned to address things early on and have the necessary boundaries to avoid misunderstandings.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52952
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34021
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956679
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181472
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments