We live in polarizing times and it’s easy for conversation to lead to topics that spark high passions—from politics and climate change to DEI, immigration, or broadly defined human-centric leadership.

First, I want to acknowledge and celebrate your courage for reaching out, showing your ASK, and requesting support while working in a toxic work culture. It’s not easy and it’s evident that you desire ...

In business, leadership, and personal relationships, the ability to manage difficult conversations is a critical skill. Whether it is addressing underperformance, negotiating a contract, delivering ...

Many professionals struggle with difficult conversations in the workplace, particularly when emotions run high. Your first ...

Sometimes you need to have a difficult conversation with a coworker. Perhaps they did something to upset you, or perhaps they engage in an ongoing behavior that is troublesome. These conversations are ...

Whether it is in the workplace or at home, we have all experienced times when we are at an impasse with someone. We simply can’t find a way to have a productive dialog. Every one of our attempts to ...

This Q&A is part of Observer’s Expert Insights series, where industry leaders, innovators and strategists distill years of experience into direct, practical takeaways and deliver clarity on the issues ...

Having a script and sticking to it can help a principal explain the changes they need to see in a staff member’s work.

Master tough conversations at work with the Compassionate Curiosity Framework—validate emotions, ask with empathy, and build ...

Most of us don’t wake up eager for a difficult conversation. By their very nature, these conversations can feel uncomfortable, challenging, and awkward. You’ve likely faced one you dreaded, put off, ...

Difficult conversations — whether you’re telling a client the project is delayed or presiding over an unenthusiastic performance review — are an inevitable part of management. How should you prepare ...