Sometimes the hardest part about having a difficult conversation with someone is getting it started. If you need an extra nudge, reframing the conversation in your mind from a more positive perspective can help.
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Whether you have to deliver some bad news or give negative feedback, the thought of having conversation is enough to make you feel nervous, stressed, and upset. Amy Gallo at Harvard Business Review suggests you minimise those feelings and get things moving by thinking of your “difficult” conversation as a normal conversation that can eventually lead to something positive:
For example, instead of giving a negative performance review, you’re having a constructive conversation about development. Or you’re not saying “no” to your boss; you’re offering up an alternative solution. This isn’t sugarcoating. Be honest with yourself about how hard the conversation might be, but also put as constructive a frame on it as possible.
You may have to talk about difficult things, but with the right mindset and approach, you can take the edge off for both parties involved. The more constructive you can make things the better.
How to Mentally Prepare for a Difficult Conversation [Harvard Business Review]
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