Confronting Confrontation: Preparing yourself for difficult conversations at work

Sage words that have traditionally applied to stage fright also make sense for gearing up for tough conversations in and out of the workplace. Remember: Practice makes perfect.

Having uncomfortable conversations will never be easy, but it will always be part of our lives. The best way to tackle them is to be prepared. Lay out your argument in advance – know what messages you need to communicate and have examples to back them up.

After mapping your thoughts, rehearse them aloud until you feel comfortable. Uncertainty causes most of the stress of confrontation, so coming prepared is half the battle.

– Chelsea Spring