Having hard conversations isn’t new, and it still isn’t easy. These can happen in the classroom, school office, even with family members, or friends. Regardless of the setting, these conversations can be fear-provoking and lead to sleepless nights and more stress than necessary. Spoiler alert: having tough conversations isn’t easy, but necessary. They also don’t get easier the more you have them, and they shouldn’t. When you are leading with vulnerability, each conversation requires sincerity and a genuine response to the other party.

Here is the tough question: are you ready to resolve a conflict, or dissolve a relationship?

Jessica Cabeen

Finding a way to meet in the middle and go from there allows you both to find a common starting ground. Regardless of what you have to say, how you practice, or what happens next, the most important step is to start the conversation.

Be direct. Practice what you are going to say ahead of time to make sure you come across the way you want it to. Another option? Write down what you want to say. Tough conversation can be nerve-wracking, so practice being clear, direct, and concise.

Be sensitive. When you are on the receiving end of a tough conversation, pay attention to what the other person has to say. As hard as it will be for you to respond, it was probably harder for the other person to come to you in the first place. Recognize the other person’s effort in sending the message and allow your guard to come down and your gloves to come off.

Be solution-driven. What is the outcome you hope to have with this conversation? Whatever the situation, try to focus on an end outcome that is acceptable to all while identifying what everyone needs to move forward.

And always Leading with Grace means learning something new every day, and forgiving yourself along the way. These conversations are not easy, but necessary, and using this framework might just help you make that first step towards having it not as hard as it could be.