Lecture 3: Difficult Conversations

Question 1

What are the 3 types of Conversations?

Answer 1

1. What Happened?
2. Feelings
3. Identity

Question 2

Which type of conversation is this?

• Don’t argue, explore
• View it from the other person’s perspective
• Be curious, not certain
• Don’t assume intentions
• Consider contributions instead of placing blame

Answer 2

The What Happened Conversation

Question 3

Which type of conversation is this?

• Ignoring them only makes the problem worse
• Feelings are natural
• Negotiate feelings
• Express don’t evaluate
• Acknowledgement goes a long way

Answer 3

The Feelings Conversation

Question 4

Which type of conversation is this?

• Difficult conversation that may threaten our identity
• The internal conversation: Am I competent? Am I a good person? Am I worthy?
• Become aware of your triggers
• Express your identity issues judiciously

Answer 4

The Identity Conversation