How can you help clients navigate difficult conversations and conflicts with confidence?

Provide follow-up support! This could be a debriefing session to reflect on what went well and what could be improved, or ongoing coaching to help them apply the lessons learned in future situations.

Most people are robotic and monotone in interviews. It's on both parties to be one level of enthusiasm more than they would normally be. Conversations flow better, more natural conversations happen, and both parties feel more relaxed which means both people don't feel terrified to answer something honesty. Rapport isn't built by forcing questions, it's by finding common interests and being genuinely interested in what the other person is saying.

I guide clients to be captains of their conversations. 🧭🗣️ By teaching assertive communication, I empower them to express themselves clearly and respectfully. 📣💬 Recently, I used role-play to help a client confidently navigate a tough family talk, turning conflict into constructive dialogue. 🎭

Be curious and mindful of your own emotions before entering the conversation. A calm, respectful conversation starts with a settled body and mind. Take a few minutes to breathe and relax if you need to.

Goals are important to establish and you can do this by asking open-ended questions to better understand your client's perspective. But it's also important to understand what drives someone towards that particular goal, and those are the values which drive action or inaction.

Avoid sneaky ways of blaming and shaming others like "I think/I feel you are...". Ask those open-ended questions to gain understanding, reflect back to show you understand and or ask for clarify when you don't. Acknowledge and share, where appropriate, how you're feeling and what you're thinking so your client can gain understanding too.

Use role-playing exercises to help your clients practice difficult conversations in a safe environment. This can help them anticipate reactions and prepare appropriate responses.

Control your ego. Wait until the other person is finished talking, you will get your point across but you don't have to interrupt them to do so.

You have to have agreed what the problem is first. Always suggest how to solve the other persons problem first, this breaks down the wall they are putting up and they will be more likely to understand your POV or want to help you with your problem. You don't want to 'win' an argument, as one party will always be left with the problem being worse.

Confidence is a feeling of trust in your abilities, qualities, and judgment. Truly listen, communicate with respect and empathy, being empathetic and hold space for hard conversations. Taking time can help the conversation unfold more smoothly in more bounded and supportive ways. Start the conversation in a different way to help clients understand be more open-hearted with them.Connect around a positive vision what might client agree to work toward? Give space and beliefs more objectively, creat opportunity to set a safe container for the conversation, build vision, and deepen understanding. Anticipate their needs, providing inaccurate information about conversation contents and be clear, Follow through on promises.

Teach your clients various conflict resolution techniques like mediation, negotiation, or collaborative problem-solving. Mindfulness exercises can help your clients stay calm and focused during difficult conversations. Similarly, stress management techniques can help them cope with any anxiety or tension these conversations might trigger.