The secret isn't what you're saying, it's how you're showing up.

Hi,

Thanks for joining me this week.

As a reminder:

I’ll send you a useful tip each week to help you improve your communication skills.

_{TIP OF THE WEEK}

_{[How to Handle Sensitive or Difficult Conversations]}

In these types of conversations, both you and the other person will likely experience strong emotions such as anger, frustration, sadness, or regret

‘Good planning can help you manage these powerful emotions better.

Make sure you’re feeling calm and centred before having the conversations.’

Doing so will help you:

• Listen more effectively
• Understand the situation better
• Help the other person communicate more clearly and honestly
• Provide the right kind of support

For example, you might need to:

• Signpost them to professional support to help them navigate a personal challenge
• Listen to and empathise with their frustration about being passed over for promotion

Key questions to ask yourself:

1. Who else knows about this situation?
2. Am I emotionally ready for a challenging conversation?
3. Do I have enough energy and focus right now?
4. What is the real issue here?
5. What relevant things have already happened?
6. How well do I know this person? How might this impact the conversation?
7. How much do I know about the situation?

Remember: Good preparation leads to better conversations.

Your main goals are to:

• Create a safe space for sharing
• Listen actively
• Provide appropriate support
• Support, rather than shift, the conversation until ready to problem solve.

_{2 QUOTES THAT STOOD OUT TO ME THIS WEEK}

"Never react emotionally to criticism. Analyze yourself to determine whether it is justified. If it is, correct yourself. Otherwise, go on about your business." ​
- Vincent Peale

"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion.”
‍-  Dale Carnegie

_{1 QUESTION FOR YOU}

How might those difficult conversations improve if you prepared for them?

Until next week,

Scott

p.s. My Sunday Times bestseller 'Order Out of Chaos' is coming out in paperback on Nov 8th.

It's your step-by-step guide to mastering emotions and winning every negotiation.

Don't miss out - preorder now and join thousands in transforming your life and career today.

Click here to secure your copy.​