We live in a world full of differing beliefs, perspectives, and realities. At home, at work, or at the grocery store, we are going to find ourselves in difficult conversations at some point. It might seem easier to avoid these discussions altogether, but the cost of avoidance is often disconnection from those we care about most.
So how do we engage in difficult conversations, especially in polarizing times, without jeopardizing our relationships? How do we stay connected when it feels like our worlds are so far apart?
I’ve spent some time working on my own difficult conversations, and lo and behold there are ways to manage through it and not feel like you’re hiding, making it worse, or giving in “for the sake of friendship”.
Join us Tuesday, Nov 26 for this free and informative workshop on Zoom. 6 PM PT!
Register Here.
This workshop is designed to help you navigate challenging conversations with clarity, empathy, and confidence. I’ll also share a downloadable cheat-sheet to help you prepare, avoid triggers, stay grounded, and stay connected with those you care for.
Can’t I just avoid talking to Uncle Jim?
Sure, it’s tempting to sidestep the conversation entirely. After all, who wants to risk saying the wrong thing or triggering an argument? But avoidance doesn’t make the underlying tension go away—it only pushes it into the background, where it can fester.
Avoiding these conversations often creates more harm than good, eroding trust, creating misunderstandings, and weakening the connection we have with others. Avoiding hard topics, telegraphs that the relationship isn’t strong enough to handle honesty or vulnerability. Over time, this can lead to isolation and resentment, especially in close relationships or team dynamics.
What’s in the Workshop
This workshop is about building bridges, not barriers. It’s about learning practical skills to navigate tough conversations without sacrificing your peace of mind or your relationships. Whether you’re facing disagreements at home, with colleagues, or in your community, the tools we’ll share can help you approach these moments with confidence and care.
You’ll also receive my Let’s Talk workbook—a practical resource to guide you through the process of preparing for and navigating tough discussions.
This worksheet is designed to:
- Identify potential triggers and strategies to avoid them.
- Step-by-step guidance on setting a calm, constructive tone.
- Prompts to clarify your intentions and needs before the conversation.
- Actionable tips to maintain connection and empathy throughout.
Think of the worksheet and the workshop itself as a roadmap to keep you grounded, focused, and connected—even during the most polarizing moments. With this tool, you’ll feel better equipped to approach difficult conversations with clarity and confidence.
Why Should I??
In a time when polarization seems to dominate our interactions, it’s more critical than ever that we learn how to feel confident and able to talk to others without it escalating into something destructive. Instead we can be learning how to weave our way through a conversation calmly and knowing that despite our differences, we’re all human, striving for connection and understanding.
It starts with one conversation, one bridge, one act of courage.