Communications, Relationship Management Skills

It can sometimes be difficult to find the right words or the confidence to use them when you need to graciously speak up. You may have an important “ask” to make. It may be a matter of establishing or maintaining boundaries, delivering bad news or dealing with sensitive situations. We need to find the right words and tone, whether it’s self-advocacy, dealing with good people behaving in ways we find frustrating, or speaking with those who create challenges or conflict.

You can prepare for such conversations through practice, and by focusing on the outcomes you’d like to achieve. Learn to enhance and draw upon your emotional intelligence skills and manage yourself rather than reacting in a manner that can earn you your own “difficult” label. You’ll gain confidence in leading with empathy without being a pushover. You’ll also prepare to communicate with clarity as you seek understanding, strive to defuse tensions and collaborate on ways to move forward. 

  • Build confidence in professionally navigating challenging and sensitive conversations
  • Begin with your desired outcome in mind
  • Seek understanding that supports both relationship management and desired outcomes
  • Lead with objectivity and empathy without compromising accountability or boundaries
  • Practice and build skills that help you communicate with clarity and confidence
  • Prepare to apply a straightforward approach for delivering bad news
  • Gain practical strategies and even scripts you can adapt for your conversations

details to follow

details to follow

Shelagh Donnelly

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