Episode Summary

Having uncomfortable and difficult conversations is …well….difficult and uncomfortable. Sometimes these conversations find us. Sometimes we find them. We have all had to engage in them either as the instigator or the receiver. In today's episode, we discuss what comes up during these experiences and how we can grow through them and create outcomes that serve all parties. How can we be both understood and understanding? This is part 1 of 2. Part 2 will drop next week!

Highlights in the episode:

• Why arguing the opposing point of view is so valuable

• Seeking to understand before being understood

• The value of perspectives outside our own

• Measuring and managing the emotional response

• Being aware of our own triggers

• How high self-awareness can be a weakness and a strength

• How ignoring our true feeling leads to anger

• What happens when we avoid difficult conversations

• Why staying in the present moment helps keep things grounded and productive

• Prepare for the conventions….but don’t over-prepare

• Don’t re-live the conversation.  Live it once.

• How growth happens ‘outside’ the moment

• The difference between ‘re-living’ a conversation and ‘reflecting’ on it

• Watching out for the judgments and shame spiraling

• The difference between trying to prepare for and influence

• Exploring our fear of being misunderstood

• Understanding that we all live in separate realities

• Agreements vs Expectations