From the course: Mindfulness Practices

Prepare for a difficult conversation

From the course: Mindfulness Practices

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Prepare for a difficult conversation

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- At one point early in my career, I had to let somebody go for poor performance. Even though I had given the person feedback and the opportunity to improve, I was still dreading the conversation. I couldn't sleep at all the night before. In retrospect, I didn't do a good job of delivering the bad news. One of the hardest but also most important skills we need to develop is the ability to have a difficult conversation with emotional intelligence. Life requires difficult conversations. We may need to deliver bad news. Ask for that raise or promotion we deserve. Tell the truth that's hard to say, or be the only one in the room with a really different point of view. These conversations can be challenging because they take courage. We have to overcome our discomfort of not being liked or our fear of being judged by others. As an executive coach, I have to sometimes give tough feedback to CEOs. My mindfulness practice has helped me. I find that once I acknowledge my own thoughts and emotions, I can get myself out of the way, and be much more centered and supportive as I deliver the difficult feedback for them. Mindfulness practice can help you acknowledge what's uncomfortable, and gather the courage to still do what's right.

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