Today, let’s explore navigating awkward conversations. We’ve all had them.
Perhaps you need to tell a team member he talks too much during the team meeting. Or tell a customer their product will be delayed. Or remind your roommate about his annoying habit of leaving dirty dishes in the sink.
Awkward conversations happen.
Here are tips to overcome the awkwardness:
- Shift your headspace. We spend too much time focused on why the situation feels awkward. Instead, focus on how speaking up could meet their needs. For example, the guy who talks too much? By speaking up, you can help him maintain (or earn back) his credibility.
Cultivate empathy: Think about your listener. What’s going on for them? What do they need? How will this awkward conversation benefit them? You may be thinking, “My customer needs the product. When I tell him the product will be late, there is no benefit for him.” While difficult conversations are, well, difficult, by addressing the situation honestly, your customer benefits because he learns there is a delay and can re-align his goal. - Rehearse your main ideas to make sure your opening remarks and key points are clear and concise. Your customer will want to know why the product is delayed and when it will arrive.
- Include benefits, specifically share the WIIFT or What’s In It for Them? You may be thinking, “My roommate doesn’t benefit when I complain about the dishes.” Au contraire, mon frère. Your roomie benefits by not having to watch you huff around the kitchen frustrated by his (dirty) actions.
By approaching awkward conversations with openness, empathy, and respect, we can turn these challenging moments into opportunities for growth, understanding, and stronger relationships.
Here’s to embracing awkwardness,
