3 tips for challenging conversations

Pauline McNulty, is a former Executive leader and the co-founder of Playfilled®, a consultancy that helps organisations transform and thrive with a creative and connected culture by embedding purposeful play. Here she shares her three top tips for challenging conversations.

1 Approach with curiosity

Everyone has a unique perspective based on their life experience and what is happening in the moment, including yourself! Your reality feels real to you, but it is essential to approach challenging conversations with a spirit of openness. By asking questions first, you will be able to understand the other's person reality and adjust yours based on what you learn, before calmly sharing what you've noticed.

2 Take steps to get grounded

Inner calm is essential for remaining open and curious, so do whatever works for you to get in balance (whether that be breathing, going for a walk or meditation). In the conversation, keep both feet on the floor, breathe consciously, and your body language open. If you find that your inner calm is slipping away, or you suddenly find yourself in a challenging conversation, remember it is better for everyone to say that you need to take some time to reflect and will come back to arrange a better time to continue.

3 Prepare with a critical friend

If you're really unsure how a conversation might go, ask a critical friend to play the role of the other person and ask you questions to clarify your thinking. They shouldn't be someone who just agrees with you -- they should be able to take on the perspective of the other person and get you used to exploring different viewpoints.