Share conversations we dread
Save to Folder
You’ve been negotiating a contract with a customer and feel like you have offered a lot but they haven’t been very flexible. (all honesty, disclosure, meet halfway)
We need to meet halfway or we might not reach a consensus.
You and your family went on a camping trip. Your dog broke a leg, your car was stolen and your tent leaked. A friend has now asked you how the trip went. (interject, mildly, in the spirit of)
To put it mildly, our camping trip was more of an adventure than we bargained for.
Communicate to a colleague that the strategy she presented might not work. (being honest, middle ground, acknowledge)
If I’m being honest, your strategy needs more refinement to be effective
You want to let a friend know that you understand why they quit their job. (just so, in the spirit of, coming from)
I see where you’re coming from. I used to have a horrible boss, too.
Your partner has been talking about a problem they have at work. You want to interrupt them to ask about a detail. (gently, chime, acknowledge)
Could I chime in here and ask a question?
You are going to quit your job. You weren’t going to tell your boss until the end of the month but she has now asked you to participate in a big project. Tell her you are quitting. (disclosure, middle ground, it’s worth)
In the spirit of full disclosure, I’ve decided to leave the company.
You’re discussing plans for a party, but one friend has a very different vision. (find the middle ground, meet halfway, chime in)
To find the middle ground, why don’t we combine some of our ideas for the party theme?
You recently had a health scare and a friend asks about your well-being. (to put it gently, just so you know, for what it’s worth)
To put it gently, I’ve had a rough time recently, but just so you know, I’m feeling a bit better now.
A colleague has suggested a new approach for a project, but you have some reservations. (if I’m being honest, acknowledge, in the spirit of transparency)
If I’m being honest, I think we should acknowledge some potential challenges with your new approach.
You hear a friend complaining about their living situation, and you want to show empathy. (I see where you’re coming from, just so you know, for what it’s worth)
I see where you’re coming from; just so you know, I used to feel the same way before I made some changes.
You’ve realized a friend is always late and it affects your plans, and you want to address it. (just so you know, I know where you’re coming from, in the spirit of transparency)
Just so you know, I know where you’re coming from with your busy schedule, but it would really help if we could work on the timing.
A team member has shared an idea that you think needs adjustment before it can succeed. (if I’m being honest, agree, gently)
If I’m being honest, I think your idea is great, but it might need a few tweaks to really take off.
You're giving feedback to a friend about a book they wrote and want to be supportive. (to put it mildly, acknowledge, in the spirit of full disclosure)
To put it mildly, while I enjoyed parts of your book, I feel it could use a bit more character development.
You want to support a friend who is indecisive about a significant life choice. (for what it’s worth, I know where you’re coming from, meet halfway)
For what it’s worth, I think it’s important to take your time with this decision.
