Having uncomfortable conversations has never been more difficult. Due to the recent pandemic crisis it's really quite ironic that people seem to be a little bit more thoughtful and nicer yet it gives you perspective as to why would a crisis bring people closer together? It forces people to gain perspective and with that being said it also forces us to have conversations that are tough.

One of the conversations is laying somebody off during a difficult time when nobody is really at fault. Instead of providing a lesson as to what to do I will use coaching questions to assist: How you have that conversation with empathy and consideration in a forward thinking helpful perspective?

Another tough conversation communicating when you don't have answers. How you do this transparently and consistently?

Third type of conversation is asking people to do more while working differently. One of the best questions when you're asking people to change especially during a crisis is the following question: What can I do to assist you to facilitate greater comfort and what could I do going forward to check in with you to ensure that you're still feeling the same way?

These times are forcing conversation. Times are forcing change. Conversation and change can be powerful if done with empathy and thoughtfulness and certainly listening… Really listening through active listening… By stating back to somebody what they said and felt and meant. This builds trust and greater relationships going forward when going back to the new normal whatever that might be.