I recently came across this insightful, and immediately helpful TEDx talk by Adar Cohen, PhD, titled, “How to Lead Tough Conversations.” Here’s a link to a short article about his TED talk summarized by Daryl Chen.
Dr. Cohen highlights three simple rules that help you lead difficult conversations.
Rule 1. Move Toward – not away from – the Conflict
This is about moving toward the “elephant in the room.”
Rule 2. Act as if you don’t Know Anything about the Situation, Even if you Do
This rule sounded a bit manipulative when I first heard it but it seems to be a practice of decentering one’s own thinking and assumption, while fostering curiosity. One question he used in his story was, “What do people get wrong about what you do?” Which is another of asking “how are you misunderstood?”
Rule 3. Keep Quiet, Especially in the Beginning
This rule is about allowing of silence or stillness, without having to fill unpleasant gaps or lulls in the conversation.
I commend it to you.
Peace, dwight
