How to Approach Having a Difficult Conversation with Your Friend

Photo by: Alexander Suhorucov - Pexels

“Uncomfortable conversations are inevitable — and that’s why learning to navigate them is necessary for building healthy relationships and a successful career.” With emotions running high, it’s easy to say the wrong thing or inadvertently escalate the tension. Simon Sinek offers insights to make that next difficult conversation easier.

Acknowledge the discomfort at the beginning of the conversation

“I just had [a difficult conversation] recently with a friend and it went like this: ‘I need to have an uncomfortable conversation with you.’ By stating what’s about to happen, it lets the person take a deep breath and know what’s about to happen, (...) it also lets them be prepared and be a little less defensive.”

Preface the conversation by asking for permission first, or trying out some helpful phrases

“Please be patient with me as I try to get this out.”

“It’s important to me that I have this conversation with you.”

“I’m afraid that I’ll say the wrong thing, so please bear with me.”

This can make it easier to address the other person, and allows them to decide whether or not this is a good time for the conversation to take place.

“By having an open conversation, being transparent with the other person about the value you place on the relationship and understanding their intent and background, you open yourself to deeper, stronger connections in life and at work.”

— Michelle Gibbings, workplace expert and author

Adapted from: CNBC, “Simon Sinek: ‘The skill of having an uncomfortable conversation is essential’—this hack can make it easier” by Ashton Jackson