Recognizing that every conversation is really threefold—Content, Identity, Feelings—allows leaders to address not just the surface issue but the emotional and personal impact beneath. This approach ensures a thorough and compassionate resolution process.
Feelings often sneak into conversations disguised as content. By acknowledging and discussing these underlying emotions, leaders can prevent misunderstandings and resolve conflicts with greater depth and understanding.
Conflicts can make us question our competence, goodness, and worthiness of love. Leaders benefit from addressing these identity concerns head-on, which not only resolves conflicts but also strengthens the team's bond and trust.
As we continue our journey from managers to leaders, let's remember that addressing conflict constructively is less about 'winning' and more about growing—both as individuals and as a team. It's about finding the harmony in discord.
This session was hard work. A lot of practicing difficult conversations. We generally hope that your days usually do not look like that.
Remember the Moment of Truth from your session when you reflected on who your most difficult conversation partner is? Now let's put the learnings into practice.
What is - for you personally - the key technique to master such difficult conversations better?
For us, reflecting in pairs was always really helpful. We would like to help you and your buddy to structure your conversation with these two hints:
