“It’s never going to be easy to have crucial conversations. They’re difficult, and nothing makes them simple,” says Emily Gregory, co-author of “Crucial Conversations.” In this episode, Emily joins Karin Reed to discuss how to navigate tough discussions, especially when delivering negative feedback during performance reviews.
Emily breaks down the realities of high-stakes conversations—those situations where opposing views and strong emotions come into play—and how they can shape relationships and outcomes. How can leaders better prepare for these moments? How does understanding the other person’s perspective create a more productive conversation?
This episode offers leaders practical advice on maintaining psychological safety and handling tough conversations with sensitivity. Emily also highlights the importance of clear communication, especially in virtual settings where non-verbal cues are lacking. Tune in as Karin and Emily discuss how to enhance your leadership communication and foster a more supportive and engaging work environment.
Quotes
- “Crucial conversations probably aren’t ever going to be comfortable. They’re hard and nothing makes them easy. We want to have a connection and be in alignment. If we could let go of the goal of being comfortable, we would actually achieve the goal of connecting.” (03:57 | Emily Gregory)
- “Our work has found that people don’t become defensive or feel unsafe because of what you’re saying—the content of your message. They become defensive or feel unsafe because of their perception of your intent, right? So, it’s not what you’re saying, it’s why they think you’re saying it. Their perception of your intent is going to be the number one factor that creates or destroys safety for that other person… You want to start every feedback conversation with your good intent.” (28:18 | Emily Gregory)
- “The number one key to having a feedback conversation well is so easy. You just have to care about the other person. It is as simple as that. If you truly care about them—not about you, not about the issue, not about the problem, but care about them—that will come through in your conversation.” (32:26 | Emily Gregory)
Links
Connect with Emily Gregory:
https://cruciallearning.com/blog/constructive-criticism-how-to-hear-it-when-youd-rather-not/
https://hbr.org/2015/08/the-key-to-giving-and-receiving-negative-feedback
Connect with Karin Reed:
Website: www.speakerdynamics.com
Speaker Dynamics University: https://university.speakerdynamics.com/
Speaker Dynamics on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakerdynamics/
Karin Reed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karin-reed/
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