Critical Conversations

June 26, 2020 | Personnel Management

What makes a conversation critical?

As a school leader, you are faced with many critical conversations, and likely at least one every day. Approaching a critical conversation is a delicate matter that takes planning and thought.

Have you ever considered, what are the common factors that all of these sensitive, yet necessary discussions share?

First, the topic and content at hand are high-stakes. High stakes can be defined as involving a lot of risk or serious consequences. High stakes means having the potential for very significant gains or losses.
Next, critical conversations arise from opposing opinions. To clarify a misconception, opposing opinions are not necessarily the opposite view, but rather an opinion in contrast or comparison to the original opinion presented.
Lastly, critical conversations involve strong emotions. It only makes sense that if the stakes are high and if the opinions are not aligned, then emotions will be strong. What kind of emotions are we talking about? Maybe disappointment, hurt, embarrassment, frustration, fear, angst, even desperation.

One thing is for sure – this mix of traits that make a conversation critical are cause for needed planning and preparedness.

Join us for the new Critical Conversations online course to learn tips and tricks to successfully navigate through meaningful critical conversations.