Sometimes, a man has to talk to a horse.
About important business.
Most people tend to shy away from topics that make us uncomfortable or avoid people who seem intimidating. But, life doesn’t stop moving and shaking even though a situation may crop up we’d rather not confront.
Here are some things to remember when you need to have a conversation you’d rather not have:
Change your position but remain professional. Agree to meet a person in a different office if a change of scenery will boost your confidence, but keep it private. The breakroom, the lobby or the hallway are not the places to show your…how shall I say…comfort level.
Watch your body language. Leaning in…with great enthusiasm…
can make your counterpart feel defensive and that can derail a conversation in a hurry. However, a more gentle posture…
that displays true concern and interest will ensure your message doesn’t get diluted.
Your choice of words, of course, play a big role. Before the meeting, consider how you’re going to get the conversation going. Jot down key words that will help you and your counterpart remain neutral which will allow you both to think through the issue and find a resolution.
Try not to avoid a situation or problem because it seems as big as a horse. Besides, once you’ve pushed yourself to handle the problem in a way you can be proud of, you’ll feel like you’ve killed a bear.
Aside: I thought it best not to put Ben in front a bear for this post, but wouldn’t it have made a good closing image?
