Navigating Difficult Conversations in the Workplace

In this episode, Vicki Flier Hudson and Jeff Bond tackle one of the most challenging—and essential—skills for People Experience leaders: how to approach difficult conversations with empathy, clarity, and confidence.

Whether it's a one-on-one with a struggling team member, a tense group discussion, or a cross-cultural misunderstanding, Vicki and Jeff offer practical frameworks to help you lead through conflict without creating division.

In this conversation, they explore:

• Why avoiding conflict drives it underground—and how leaders can defuse it instead

• How to build psychological safety as a foundation for honest dialogue

• The impact of cultural communication styles on conflict resolution

• Tools and techniques like the Four-Second Rule, the phrase “Tell me more,” and the AAPP framework (Acknowledge, Agree, Pivot, Perspective)

• The power of curiosity, emotional regulation, and listening as trust-building tools

This episode is a must-listen for leaders committed to strengthening culture, modeling openness, and building resilient, people-first teams.

Learn more or reach out at peoplefirstelevation.com

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