Difficult Conversations

Core principle: Difficult conversations fail on the emotional, identity, and relational layers underneath the content. Prepare structure and stance to convert confrontation into problem-solving.

When to Use This Skill

• Delivering critical feedback, raising a sensitive issue, or navigating conflict
• A negotiation-strategy session escalated to emotional/identity territory (Contract D handoff)
• Power asymmetry makes direct communication risky
• The user is avoiding a conversation they need to have
• A relationship is at stake alongside the issue

Core Methodology

Step 1: Map the Three Conversations