Identifying a difficult conversation

- Having difficult conversations at work often makes us feel uncomfortable. But do you know why you are feeling uncomfortable? If we take this first step in uncovering what is making you feel uncomfortable and what possibly may be making the other person feel uncomfortable, this will position us to have a more constructive conversation. First thing you want to look at and ask yourself is what is my relationship with this person? Do we know each other well? Do we not know each other at all? And then think about unique dynamics in the workplace, such as politics, policy, power, hierarchy. All of those variables come into play here. So when you have a better understanding of what variables may be at play for you and for them, now you are in a better position to have this constructive conversation.