Having Those Fierce Conversations
I am one of those folks who doesn’t like conflict. I’m talking about conflict between individuals over major things or, in some cases, even minor things.
Susan Scott, no relation, wrote a fantastic book for people like me. “Fierce Conversations” offers a ton of great content, but its best piece for me is a roadmap to plan to have a difficult conversation.
I’ve used that roadmap three times in the past week.
The first time it was for a conversation I had to have with John, who had used my name without my permission. I was already upset with John over some other issues.
But then he wrote in an email that I had recommended him to someone–when I hadn’t.
I know redheads get a rap as having a bad temper, but I don’t think that’s true. In this case, though, John had crossed the line, and I was furious.
I knew I had to confront him. And “Fierce Conversations” helped me do that in a safe, healthy way.
A couple days later, I pulled out the book to help a friend plan a fierce conversation with one of her trusted advisers. And two days later it was to help a client deal with a performance issue with one of her staff.
For all three of us–me, my friend, and my client–”Fierce Conversations” gave us a way to take on a difficult task and address the anger that was festering in each of us.
The outcome of each conversation was much better than each of us expected. And the relief from finally having the conversations was immense.
“Fierce Conversations” should be on your bookshelf, if not for you then for someone you know.
