Craig Constantine’s Post

We had a great conversation with our extended community last week about what it means to be kind and curious in planning for and leading through tough conversations. If you missed the live workshop on Navigating Difficult Conversations, you can still watch the recording and download the resources: https://lnkd.in/e_a8Yr6d 💡 Core Concept: Our mindsets about people shape our intentions, behaviors, and experiences. 👇 These are the mindsets we're clinging to, especially when things feel tricky. 💭 Who embodies these essential truths in your life? Let them know!

Ever feel like you and your partner/friend are having a conversation, but it seems like you’re speaking in entirely different languages? 🤔🗣️ This disconnect might be because you’re not having the same kind of conversation. If you don’t recognize what kind of conversation is happening, it’s unlikely you’ll connect. This is the “Matching Principle of Communication.” 🧠✨ 💡 What is it? The Matching Principle of Communication teaches us that to truly connect with someone, we need to ensure we’re having the same kind of conversation at the same time. It’s about aligning not just the topic but the tone, intent, and emotional level of the discussion. 🔍 Why does it matter? • If one person is being emotional 🥺, and the other logical 🤖, they’ll feel unheard. • If one wants to solve a problem 🛠️, and the other just wants to share their feelings 😔, frustration arises. • If one person is joking 😂, and the other is serious 😐, misalignment can break connection. 📘 Example: Imagine your partner comes home stressed and says, “Today was terrible.” If you jump straight to solutions, like “Why don’t you talk to your boss?” without matching their emotional need to vent, they might feel dismissed. Recognizing that this is an emotional conversation, you can respond with, “That sounds so hard—tell me what happened.” Now, you’re aligned. 🧩 Takeaway: If you want to be heard—and hear others—you need to: 1️⃣ Recognize the kind of conversation that’s happening: emotional, problem-solving, storytelling, etc. 2️⃣ Match their tone, intent, and emotional level. 3️⃣ Invite them to match you if you’re ready to shift the focus. ✨ By doing this, you create space for connection, understanding, and collaboration. Next time you feel disconnected, pause and ask yourself: What kind of conversation are we having? I learned this while watching this video https://lnkd.in/e2R2AxQE

Breakdown in conversations happen when both people think they are talking to each other, when they are really talking past each other We become so caught up in what we have to say that we don't realise we are carrying on our own monologue, not actually in dialogue. Here are three tips to have better conversations about topics that matter.

Contrary to a steady growing rhetoric, it is not divisive to ask the questions that need to be asked and to invite in meaningful dialogue on important topics. In fact, it's an age old oppressive tactic to say that anyone who asks questions is the cause of bad things happening. "Falling in line" is a dangerous course that has often set us up for environments where the most vulnerable are harmed. Asking questions helps to clarify our 'yes' and our support in ways that are transparent and drive collective action. So have the conversations now so clarity is the foundation later. Sharing this resource again as the need for open and honest conversation continues to be more critical now than ever: https://lnkd.in/gVCh3Y79

How to Navigate Difficult Conversations: A Comprehensive Guide for Today 🦃 https://lnkd.in/eZriYZVr

“The poor quality of conversations today” What I seem to notice, increasingly, is the poor quality of conversations today. We tend to talk ‘at’ one another rather than ‘with’ one another. We need to make a conscious effort to change this

I've noticed something remarkable when people in our workshops drop their preconceived notions and become genuinely open. A different quality of attention pervades the space. The conversation that emerges isn't just the sum of individual voices, but something entirely new. This image captures that field of possibility. When we lead from inner awareness, we're participating in an unfolding process where people naturally connect with their deepest capabilities. This isn't mystical. It's a practical capacity we can all develop. It starts with discovering a deeper dimension beyond mind and ego, beyond judgments and stories, one that our conditioning has simply covered up. What might become possible if we allowed this deeper level of connection and awareness to guide our actions in every conversation we have?

Enjoyed this read by Charles Duhigg. A few lessons from the chapter “How Do We Make the Hardest Conversations Safer?” Preparation is key. Don’t shy away from tough discussions. Consider the discomfort and tension that may arise. • How do you hope things will unfold? • How will this conversation start? • What obstacles might emerge? • When those obstacles appear, what is your plan to overcome them? • Finally, what are the benefits of this dialogue? Some insights may be obvious, but a good refresher nonetheless.

Before diving into delicate conversations, it's important to understand the underlying reasons and motives of the individuals involved. This awareness helps in approaching the discussion with empathy and perspective, reducing the likelihood of conflicts and misunderstandings. Before addressing sensitive topics, take a moment to consider the other person's perspective and motivations. This will help you navigate the discussion more thoughtfully. Join us now! https://bit.ly/TLP-431 #SensitiveConversations #EmpathyInAction #UnderstandMotives #EffectiveCommunication

How different types of conversations reflect the intellectual engagement of the participants: 🗣️👥"Small minds discussing people" indicates a focus on gossip and personal matters, often seen as trivial or unproductive. 📰🌍 "Good minds discussing events" implies a focus on what is happening in the world, showing awareness and interest in broader contexts. 💡🤔 "Great minds discussing ideas" suggests a focus on abstract thinking, innovation, and conceptual discussions, which are considered the most intellectually stimulating and impactful. Let's strive to elevate our conversations and engage in meaningful dialogues that inspire growth and innovation! 🚀🌟💬 What type of conversation do you engage in the most? Share your thoughts! 📝👇