HBR Working Moms Collection (6 Books)

7

Eight Ways to Get a Difficult Conversation Back on Track

by Monique Valcour

Quick Takes

• Approach your counterpart as a partner, not an opponent
• Shift into learning mode
• Share what you’d like to get out of the conversation
• Be curious
• Take responsibility

Despite our best intentions, conversations can frequently veer into difficult territory, producing frustration, resentment, and wasted time and effort. Take David, one of my coaching clients. Recently appointed to a business school leadership role, he was eager to advance his strategic agenda. Doing so required building his team members’ commitment to and sense of ownership over the proposed changes. When people were slow to step up and take on key tasks and roles, David felt frustrated by ...