Crucial Conversation Tools – Choose the right topic when in a crucial conversation!

As we continue to utilize tools from Crucial Conversations and use them in the coaching process, we know it is a skill not to get caught up in the emotion and height of a Crucial Conversation. A dialogue can bounce between several different topics. Before you know it, you and the person you are in dialogue with may not even be focused and talking about the same subject. A good way to stay focused on the right topic is to simplify what is most important to be discussed. 

Join us in practicing CPR, which consists of three simple steps to gain clarity, while staying focused during complex interactions. 

Content – Stay alert to when the content of the conversation shifts. If you started the conversation with the intention of addressing a team member not meeting project deadlines, stick to that topic. If, you have other concerns or grievances, those can be addressed in a separate conversation. This will avoid bundling all of the issues together, which can waste time and energy. 

Pattern – Address the consistent pattern that you are seeing. If, a team member misses a deadline once or even twice, there may be a variety of reasons why it happened. When it happens three or more times, the behavior has become a pattern. You will want to address the pattern of behavior with the facts of what you are seeing and experiencing. Avoiding the conversation increases the lag time, which we learned in last week’s blog post - is detrimental to solving of the issue at hand.

Relationship – Choose to stay in relationship and ask yourself the question, “What do I really want out of this conversation?” When we tune in to our own thoughts and heart, we can return to the importance of human connection and relationship. This mindset will allow us to stay focused on the content and address patterns with mutual respect and meaning. 

Choosing the right topic to focus on in a Crucial Conversation is paramount to both the flow of conversation and the outcome. We are mindful that there are a variety of complex topics that can make it challenging to stay in dialogue. We are also aware and have experienced it IS POSSIBLE to have a good outcome, even in the midst of the greatest challenges. Our positive mindset and approach will create better outcomes for all.

We are here for you as you navigate your day-to-day conversations and the crucial ones!