Sometimes it’s difficult to imagine that there could be a reasonable, valid point of view that is different from yours. For example, Jenn, a team leader at an engineering firm, determined that it was important to fund a proposed program development project in the...
Office Communication
Crucial Conversations — Focus on the Big Picture
James was waiting for Robert at the office and, as the saying goes, “was loaded for bear.” James, the Department Director, had tolerated Robert’s behavior as long as he could stand it. Robert was a very smart person and a valuable asset to the company, but his...
5 Ways to Deal With Passive Aggressive Behavior
Jen is constantly sarcastic. James shuts down and becomes silent when his point of view is not immediately accepted. After team meetings, Alanna engages in criticism and gossip with team members separately. For Amanda, the VP of Human Resources at a growing...
Having a Difficult Conversation? First, Fill the Pool of Shared Meaning
Every successful leader must learn how to effectively engage in difficult conversations. These “crucial conversations” — one of our favorite books is Crucial Conversations, written by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan and Al Swizler — address the tough...
Communicating with “Point People”
Are you a “point person,” or a “story person?” If you can’t recognize these two communication styles — in yourself and others — and adjust to your audience, you’ll often find yourself annoyed and frustrated (This opening is written for point people.) Sarah was beyond...
Am I Having a Crucial Conversation?
Having a tough conversation is something most of us do our best to avoid. It’s emotional and stressful. Most of us are very uncomfortable with confrontation — or anything that we think feels like confrontation. Sometimes, we see a difficult conversation coming. A...
Why So Serious? The Benefits of Humor at Work
By Kevin Ciccotti, CPCC, PCC. After the year we’ve just experienced, I don’t think anyone would deny that we could all use just a little more laughter in our lives. But what about more laughter at work? I think most of us would agree that laughter feels good and is...
Tough Conversations: What if You Assume the Other Person Is… Resilient?
By Lilian Abrams, Ph.D., MBA, MCC, ESIA. Sometimes, my coaching work weeks appear to have a theme. This week, the theme is: “When you anticipate having a difficult conversation, what would happen if you assumed that the other person was resilient?” Right now I have at...
Finding it Difficult to Get to an Agreement? Often, it’s About the Small Touches
By Roberto Giannicola, PCC. Several years ago, I saw a documentary about an experiment that demonstrates how something tiny could create an entirely different outcome in people’s perceptions. This took place in a store. When customers paid for their items, the cashier...
When’s the Best Time to Have a Difficult Conversation? Now.
Most leaders have at least one difficult conversation on their radar. Whether it’s with an employee, a colleague, or a supervisor, there’s a good chance that you are either anticipating one, putting one off, just becoming aware that one is needed, or, ignoring one —...