Complexities of Risky Conversations

So why don’t all (or even most) risky conversations feel like they’ve built trust and mutual understanding? How we show up in risky conversations can often lead us into ruts that are tough to recover from. Let’s unpack four of these mistakes that are very common

But because instincts rely on past experiences, they fail us when we’re in unfamiliar territory. Instincts are also more prone to error when our emotions are elevated or in situations where we’re susceptible to bias. In the particular situation of a risky conversation, there are specific errors we make that should cause us to question our instincts. 

We’ve all made choices that demonstrate our understanding of the importance of our physical health (reaching for carrot sticks instead of the potato chips) and mental health (even if therapy isn’t your thing, a short nature walk is a form of mental health care). Social health is the “and Peggy" that rounds out this trio.

A risky conversation is more than a difficult conversation with an ‘80’s coming-of-age’ movie name. It’s when we’re working through disagreement or conflict.  It’s also any conversation where it’s hard to show up as well as you wish you could. Often in these conversations, our breathing quickens, our hands sweat, and our thinking gets murky.  That doesn’t mean you’re bad at tense conversations. It means you’re a normal human being.