457 | Removing the cringe factor from tough conversations

As a leader or parent, are you more apt to avoid, rather than engage, in tough conversations with those you lead? Well, you’re not alone! In fact, you’re actually pretty normal.

Do you realize that the majority of leaders (and parents) have never been taught how to take on difficult conversations? And certainly not with sufficient tact, grace, or courage!

So, what usually happens? Well, to be blunt, a train wreck happens!

There’s often a collision of wills, a battle to be right, and a lot of fear present. Every leader knows that having difficult, but necessary, conversations is a complicated task.

When you consider how much is going on at once it can be a daunting task to have that talk.

There’s fear - first and foremost
There’s risk - of things going badly
There’s discomfort - it feels like conflict
There’s pride - especially with big personalities
And lots of emotions - things can get out of control

Things can get complicated quickly. But what can you do about it? How can you prepare for it? That’s what Aaron West and I sat down to discover on today’s episode!