Clarity Before the Conversation

A difficult conversation becomes harder when you enter it trying to solve everything at once. Before you decide what to say, get clear about what you need the conversation to accomplish.

Name the real issue

Ask yourself what is actually hurting, confusing or unresolved. The first complaint is not always the real concern.

Know what you need to communicate

Decide what the other person needs to understand about your experience, boundary or request. This helps you speak with intention instead of reacting to every turn in the conversation.

Leave room to learn

Clarity is not the same as controlling the outcome. You can know what you need to say and still remain open to information you did not have before.