A Masterclass on Hard Conversations: Part 1 – Preparation

Welcome to episode 273 of DREAM THINK DO. We’re doing an experiment over these next few weeks. 3 episodes on the important topic of having HARD conversations.   Actually, I want to reframe that as how to have RICH conversations.  Because… they really can be both right? Hard conversations usually involve a difficult subject but with the right prep… they can be incredibly RICH conversations too.  Right?  Oh… and each episode will be about 15 minutes long.  YOW… you know me so this is a stretch!  But it’s going to be gooooood.  So let’s get to it!   Listen To The Podcast:     RESOURCES: Episode 002: Punch Worry in the Face: mitchmatthews.com/punch-worry-in-the-face Episode 246: 2 Minutes to Confidence: mitchmatthews.com/246 3 Buckets Infographic:  Learn more here All right… I’m excited about this. Experiments are always fun.  And I’m feeling stretched to keep this shorter.  A little uncomfortable… and that’s good… right? This is going to be PART 1 in a series called a “Masterclass in Hard Conversations.” NOTE: This series is not geared towards ONLINE conversations.  Nope.   This is for REAL conversations.    Do you remember REAL conversations?   Face to face.  Eye-ballers.  Real deal conversations.   In our current situation of COVID-19, etc… this may look a little different but what we’re going to be talking about is one-on-one conversations.  We might be talking about using something like Zoom or the phone… but it’s all about talking to someone that’s important to you. They’re important to you… because they’re: Family member Friend Co-worker Boss Someone you’re wanting to get to know better Now… something about them may ping the shiznitz out of you… but you still need or want to have a conversation.  And yes, some of those might be “hard” conversations.  So, let’s get you ready!   QUOTES FROM THE SHOW: “You have power over your mind - not outside events.  Realize this and you will find strength.” Marcus Aurelius “LET IT GO.  LET IT GO.” Queen Elsa  “We are not all in the same boat, but we are in the same storm.” Origin of the quote   MINUTE BY MINUTE: 0:02 What to expect the next three episodes 2:11 Now is the time to have a rich conversation 5:03 The three-bucket questions 6:57 Create an environment for ‘us’ 8:32 How fight or flight plays into conversations 10:53  Give yourself a minute 14:00 Mitch asks in a difficult conversation 14:41 Remain respectful   WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! So… one of the things I needed to be reminded of this week has been the importance of “Just giving yourself a minute.”  It’s a concept I’m REALLY familiar with when it comes to my “typical” workday.  And/or when I’m preparing to take the stage in front of an audience.  But amid all of the wildness that is 2020, I’ve realized that it’s so important to just stop once and a while and take a breath.  To rest.  To be present.  That’s critical.  So I appreciated that prompt to just stop, to pause and to breathe.   How about you?  What’s something that stood out to you?   What’s something YOU are going to try this week? Also, I want to hear from YOU on your favorite strategies for navigating hard conversations.  Comment and let me know.  And hey, if I use your concept I’ll give you a shout out in the episode too!  Cool?  Cool. Leave a comment and let me know!  I can’t wait to hear from YOU!