I recently presented a workshop about “difficult conversations” where I provided some strategies to help make them more effective. But the piece of my own advice that resonated with me the most was to stop calling them “difficult.”
Sure, saying the hard things is uncomfortable, but all the language around these conversations makes it more daunting. Fierce. Tough. Crucial. Courageous. Heavy. Difficult. No wonder people avoid having them.
Instead, tell yourself that they are “important” conversations. It may help overcome the natural inertia that comes from trying to avoid something you don’t want to do. Humans are masterful procrastinators and rationalization-ators and putting off something that is “difficult” would top the list of what to avoid.
Focus instead on the important outcomes that occur by having these conversations instead of the seemingly difficult process of getting there.
