|
Home / Business / Communication
Difficult Conversation Needed? Six Questions To Prepare You For The Talk
By:Suzanne Holman
I just heard an amusing story that illustrates how a lack of communication can create some real problems.
A photographer for CNN was assigned to cover southern California's wildfires last year. He wanted pictures of the heroic work the firefighters were doing as they battled the blazes. When the photographer arrived on the scene, he realized that the smoke was so thick it would seriously impede, or even make impossible, his getting good photographs from the ground level. He requested permission from his boss to rent a plane and take photos from the air.
His request was approved and he used his cell phone to call the local county airport to charter a flight. He was told a single engine plane would be waiting for him at the airport.
Arriving at the airfield, he spotted a plane warming up outside a hanger. He jumped in with his bag, slammed the door shut, and shouted, "Let's go".
The pilot taxied out, swung the plane into the wind and roared down the runway. Once in the air, the photographer instructed the pilot, "Fly over the valley and make two or three low passes so I can take some pictures of the fires on the hillsides."
"Why?" asked the pilot.
"Because I'm a photographer for CNN," he responded. "And I need to get some close-up shots."
The pilot was strangely silent for a moment, finally he stammered, "So, what you're telling me, is you're NOT my flight instructor???"
If you want to avoid getting yourself into a similar situation, it's important to be aware of what needs to be discussed!
Before you can have an effective conversation to resolve an important issue, it's essential that you clarify exactly what the issue is and all your concerns about it. Issues come up in all aspects of our lives: strategic planning, employees, career planning, marital problems, relationships, or children.
Strategic plans at work may have looked good on paper, but implementation is just not happening as expected. Employees may be making mistakes and not creating the kind of progress that is necessary. There could be indiscretions showing up with employees that must be addressed.
Even though a job is paying well, it may not be one that you can imagine doing long term and that issue needs to be discussed with one's spouse. Children may be off track from good performance in school and into self-defeating behaviors that need to be addressed.
The more honest you can be with yourself about the issues, the more ready you will be to bring up the subjects for thorough discussion. Here are six important questions to prepare you for a productive conversation.
What is the most pressing issue that needs to be resolved?
What exactly is going on right now?
How is this issue currently impacting me?
If things stay as they are, what's likely to happen as time goes on?
How have I personally contributed to the problem?
With a positive resolution, what enjoyable results can we expect?
Actually taking the time to write down your answers to these questions is a great way to get focused for an extremely productive discussion. Without a clear focus, it is easy to get off track, place blame on the other person, and leave the discussion without resolution.
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article keywords: Communication, difficult conversations, business coach, Suzanne Holman, conflict resolution
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
A coach can help you focus for difficult conversations. Visit exuberantproductivity.com to access resources, and research that may be helpful in resolving the sticky situations in your life. Reach your Exuberant Productivity Coach, Suzanne Holman, MAEd at suzanne@suzanneholman.com.
|
|
| Top Communication Articles |
- 1). What Television’s First Woman President Has To Teach Us By : Randy Siegel
I have a confession to make: I am addicted to Tuesday night’s new hit series “Commander and Chief.” Sure, Geena Davis is beautiful. She tall, regal, and has the best lips in the business after Angelia Jolie. But, television’s first woman president has captured my attention for another reason: I am fascinated with her communication style.
|
- 2). Cold Calling is Great! By : Daegan Smith
You have finally made the big decision to get out of the rat race and start a small business. Congratulations! You have just entered what is known as the small office or home office type of business.
|
- 3). HOW TO COPE WITH A TOXIC BOSS By : Mike Moore
When you find yourself working for a difficult/toxic boss, manager/supervisor/principal you must be cautious. Your well being and future could depend on it..
Here are a few effective strategies to consider.
|
|
|
- 5). Lost in Translation Services? Make Your Presence felt in the International Market By : Peter LeSar
As per the U.S. State Department, U.S. companies tend to lose about $50Bn in potential sales just because of poor translation. Due to Incorrect and culturally inept language translation, most of these companies face further problems. Professional translation services will definitely help in building good image for the products/services these companies have to offer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Communication Articles |
|
|
- 2). The First Great PR Man By : Jonathon Hardcastle
PT Barnum (born Phineas Taylor Barnum) is best known for being a great showman who staged elaborate extravaganzas through his world-famous Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, a top attraction during the latter-1800s.
|
|
|
- 4). How To Start A Good Conversation By : Jimmy Cox
Imagine the scene... You have been looking forward to this great get together for a long time and are keen to impress everyone there. You arrive on time and then...to your horror you become tongue-tied!
|
- 5). The Secret Of Writing Successful Business Letters By : NamSing Then
Everyone writes business letter when they start to work in a corporate environment. But the difference between a sale, a promotion or that raise, might just depend on your letters. This article tells you what to do when writinging a successful business letter.
|
- 6). Making Your Business Communication Count By : Liane Bate
Sometimes the only the thing that determines whether or not you make the sale is how well you communicate with your prospects and customers. Communication really is an art that needs to be practiced and refined. You may think you know exactly what to say, but it doesn’t take much to turn a person right off.
|
|
|
- 8). Fabulous First Impressions By : Randy Siegel
It’s called the “four-second window,” and our challenge as communicators is to learn how to master first impressions in order to open the lines of communication.
|
|
|
- 10). Disadvantages of Cold Calling By : Daegan Smith
There are good ways and there are bad ways to market a product or service. One of the marketing ways that always gets flak is the technique called cold calling.
|
|
|
