What are Crucial Conversations?

They reveal themselves during conversations with peers, direct reports, spouses, friends and supervisors when different needs emerge. There are 3 essential elements to all crucial conversations: opinions vary, the stakes are high, and emotions run strong.

To stay focused on resolving differences we must have gentle attention, and use intelligent persuasion with others.

Crucial conversations in companies often involve the following hot button areas: safety, productivity, diversity, and quality.

Dialogue is the most important point to remember and pursue in being successful in crucial conversations.

A person skilled in crucial conversations must step back from an emotionally charged situation and ask themselves 3 questions:

1) What do I really want?

2) What do I want for others?

3) What do I want for the relationship?