Speak Up, Move Forward: The Art of Difficult Conversations

Let’s talk about those awkward convos we all dread—like addressing underperformance or bad behaviour. There’s a bit of a spectrum here. On one end, you’ve got the easygoing “nudge” chats. You know, the ones where you bring up an issue in a lighthearted way, maybe sprinkle in some humor or mention it casually. These chats can often clear things up without much fuss, and they’re usually a breeze to have.

Now, swing over to the other end, where we find those serious talks that could lead to someone packing their bags and leaving the school. These are trickier, but by the time you get there, you'll probably know it’s the right move. Often, the person might not even stick around after the conversation, so that makes it a bit easier to handle.

But the real toughies? They sit right in the middle and are the ones we’re all guilty of putting off. You might have tried the nudge approach, but it didn’t quite work, and now you’ve got a messy situation on your hands. The worst-case scenario is that both sides walk away feeling crummy. Best case? You both come out of it feeling like you nailed it and are on the same page moving forward.

For those “win-win” outcomes, you need to be super clear about what you want to say. It might help to practice a bit beforehand so you don’t accidentally confuse the other person. Keep it short and simple—rambling usually just muddles the message and makes it harder for everyone involved.

Avoiding those dreaded conversations usually just makes them more daunting. But don’t worry, once you tackle a few, they start to feel easier. If you’re gearing up for one of these tough talks, consider laying out your points right at the start:
1. Name the issue

2. Share a specific example

3. Talk about how you feel about it

4. Explain what’s at stake and why it matters

5. Acknowledge your role in the problem

6. Express your desire to resolve things

7. Give them a chance to share their side

So, gear up, keep it formal, and you’ll get through those tough chats like a pro!

You’re not learning anything unless you’re having the difficult conversations. - Gwyneth Paltrow

Love and Light

DAO