06: How to master challenging one-on-one conversations

HOW TO MASTER CHALLENGING ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS

Does it often happen to you after a challenging one-on-one conversation, be it with a colleague, your boss or even a friend that you feel you a bit disappointed in yourself and that you could have handled it much better?

You’re not alone. This happens to anyone. The good news is that you can learn the skills to master challenging one-on-one conversations. It's a game-changing skill for women leaders - the art of expressing your thoughts, needs, and boundaries confidently and respectfully, striking that delicate balance between not being too passive or overly aggressive.

In essence, it's about making sure your voice is heard and respected in the room.

One-on-one conversations can be tricky for anyone, but for women in leadership roles, they often come with unique challenges. 

Find the full transcript for this episode and other resources for women leaders at womenleadersunlimited.com/6.

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Transcript

HOW TO MASTER CHALLENGING ONE-ON-ONE CONVERSATIONS

Does it often happen to you after a challenging one-on-one conversation, be it with a colleague, your boss or even a friend that you feel you a bit disappointed in yourself and that you could have handled it much better?

You’re not alone. This happens to anyone. The good news is that you can learn the skills to master challenging one-on-one conversations.

It's a game-changing skill for women leaders - the art of expressing your thoughts, needs, and boundaries confidently and respectfully, striking that delicate balance between not being too passive or overly aggressive.

In essence, it's about making sure your voice is heard and respected in the room.

One-on-one conversations can be tricky for anyone, but for women in leadership roles, they often come with unique challenges. 

Now, let's talk about the hurdles you'll face in one-on-one conversations. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, these challenges often remain consistent. 

There are power dynamics to navigate, bias and stereotypes to confront, and your own self-doubt to manage. It's a lot to handle, but conquering these challenges is your path to success.

Now, let's delve into the heart of the matter. How can you truly master these challenging one-on-one conversations? Here are some key strategies that I’ve found to work well:

#1        Preparation

Before even stepping into the conversation, you've got to lay the groundwork. Set clear goals, think about what you want to achieve, and anticipate potential roadblocks. This preparation is like the foundation of a strong building; without it, you might face unexpected collapses.

 #2        Active Listening and Empathy

It's all about tuning in, not just to the words but also to the emotions and perspectives of the other person. It's a way to build rapport and establish trust. You're essentially saying, "I value your input, and we're in this together."

#3        Acknowledging the Other Person's Emotions

Emotions are a significant part of any conversation. It's crucial to acknowledge the other person's emotions, even if you don't necessarily agree with their perspective. This demonstrates your capacity for empathy and understanding. 

When the other person expresses strong emotions, take a moment to understand what they're feeling. Reflect back to them what you've noticed, such as saying, "I can see that you're really frustrated" or "It seems like this situation is making you upset." This simple act of recognition can make the other person feel heard and valued.

#4        Proposing Win-Win Solutions

When it comes to finding common ground, proposing win-win solutions is all about shaping outcomes that benefit everyone at the table. It’s as easy as asking the other person: “What do you want?” And then you say what you want. 

What are the overarching objectives that both you and the other person are trying to achieve? By pinpointing these commonalities, you lay the groundwork for a solution that can satisfy both parties.

#5        Handling Difficult Situations

In challenging conversations, there's often a difference of opinion or even objections. 

When things get heated, staying calm is key. Take a deep breath, focus on your body language, and maintain composure. This not only helps de-escalate the tension but also allows you to think more clearly.

Another powerful technique when conversations get heated is to use "I" Statements

They allow you to express your thoughts and feelings without making the other person defensive. 

For example: Instead of saying, "You're always late with your reports," you can use an "I" statement like, "I feel frustrated when reports are submitted late because it impacts our team's efficiency. Can we discuss how to improve this?"

Instead of saying, "You're making a mistake," you can use an "I" statement like, "I have concerns about this decision because I believe there might be a better way. Can we explore other options together?"

You’ll find that using "I" statements shifts the focus from blame to your personal feelings and needs, fostering a more constructive and collaborative conversation.

So, there you have it, a deep dive into mastering those challenging one-on-one conversations, it’s all about being confident, respectful, and impactful in your interactions, being self-assured, not necessarily raising your voice.

I encourage you to put these strategies into practice in your daily interactions. Effective communication is a journey, and every conversation is an opportunity for growth.

Mastering challenging one-on-one conversations takes practice. Like any skill, the more you work on it, the better you become. Don't be discouraged by setbacks; see them as opportunities for growth. 

Over time, you'll become more skilful at navigating even the toughest discussions.

Thank you for tuning in to "Women Leaders Unlimited" today. I hope you found this episode insightful and valuable. 

Remember: You are powerful and unstoppable and it’s time for you to show it! 

Choose to be the best version of yourself today!

It’s all up to you!