September 2022:
In today’s workplace, tough conversations are commonplace. And knowing what to say to initiate them can be paralyzing!
In today’s workplace, tough conversations are commonplace. And knowing what to say to initiate them can be paralyzing!
Assertive communication is the answer. It is a critical skill for effective working relationships and the management of interpersonal conflict. How well you communicate directly impacts your ability to handle tough conversations and engage constructively with colleagues and clients.
As you prepare for that upcoming tough conversation, consider HOW you will begin the discussion. What will you say? Take a few minutes to script your opening statement.
As you prepare for that upcoming tough conversation, consider HOW you will begin the discussion. What will you say? Take a few minutes to script your opening statement.
Photo by Christina
Here’s a sampling of opening lines to help you frame your next tough conversation:
1. I have something I’d like to discuss with you that I think will help us work together more effectively.
2. I’d like to talk about . . . . . with you, but first I’d like to get your point of view.
3. I need your help with what just happened. Do you have a few minutes to talk?
1. I have something I’d like to discuss with you that I think will help us work together more effectively.
2. I’d like to talk about . . . . . with you, but first I’d like to get your point of view.
3. I need your help with what just happened. Do you have a few minutes to talk?
4. I think we have different perceptions about . . . . . I’d like to hear your thinking on this.
5. I’d like to talk about . . . . . I think we may have different ideas about how to . . . . .
6. I’d like to see if we might reach a better understanding about . . . . . I really want to hear your feelings about this and share my perspective as well.
5. I’d like to talk about . . . . . I think we may have different ideas about how to . . . . .
6. I’d like to see if we might reach a better understanding about . . . . . I really want to hear your feelings about this and share my perspective as well.
Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions
Interested in learning more about assertive communication techniques? Register for Barefoot’s upcoming virtual workshop Confident Communication: Secrets to Speaking Up, scheduled for Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Or contact us at info@trybarefoot.com to schedule a workshop for your team.
Cheers,
Gerard Murphy
Founder and CEO,
Barefoot Facilitation Inc.
Cheers,
Gerard Murphy
Founder and CEO,
Barefoot Facilitation Inc.