Difficult conversations are inevitable in any relationship—no matter the type. While they’re so essential, they’re also very uncomfortable, so it’s no surprise they’re often avoided like the plague. Case in point: a coaching and training firm found that 70% of employees avoid difficult conversations, whether it’s with their bosses, peers, or their direct reports.
The deeper the connection, the harder these talks become, often due to the fear of damaging or losing the relationship. So, how exactly do we deal with these situations? GMA News Online sought advice from several experts, including Celine Sugay-Costales, a licensed psychologist and certified positive psychology coach, and Celine Ann T. Ibay, a mental health occupational therapist, to equip us with the tools to navigate these difficult conversations.
How to navigate difficult conversations Difficult conversations come in many forms, often involving taboo topics, subjects uncomfortable to discuss, or issues that might “offend” someone. These discussions typically occur between individuals with perceived power imbalances, where the person in the "lower" position is expected to be passive and agreeable toward the "higher" or more authoritative party, such as in relationships between bosses and employees or parents and children. Other common examples of difficult conversations include: Strategies to initiate difficult conversations An effective conversation ultimately hinges on effective communication.
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