Conversations are difficult. Are you a supervisor or manager? Maybe a small business owner? Well then, conversations can be downright painful. I’ve tested a recipe that produces a great conversation. Whether you’re hiring, coaching, selling, giving feedback, helping a customer…..it all comes down to the conversation.
Businesses and careers are built on relationships. Relationships are built one conversation at a time. The best outcomes are possible when we create productive conversations.
So here’s my recipe:
Ingredients:
Preparation
Positive Intent
Powerful Questions& Sharing Perspective
Active Listening
Alignment and Understanding
Next Steps
Process:
Preparing ahead of time will ensure you bring an open presence, ready to listen and engage. Begin by establishing positive Intent. You may do this by acknowledging the other person and outlining a positive and clear purpose. Get to the point now! Build connection using powerful and open questions and sprinkle just enough of your own perspective to create balance. This is a conversation—so it requires contributions from all parties! Mix thoroughly while blending in plenty of active listening. Pay attention to the dynamic you’re generating. If the flow is not mixing well, you may want to revisit the positive intent. Don’t rush to develop alignment and understanding. Be prepared to circle back to questions and perspective if the texture isn’t just right. Before you know it you will be ready to design next steps and serve up a healthy outcome.
Practice and adjust the recipe for any conversation.
I would love to hear how it turns out and what modifications you recommend for this recipe.