How to have a hard conversation

913. When something's broken at work, we reach for the big fix — the reorg, the new tool, the strategy overhaul. But ask people to describe their perfect coffee and they'll say rich, dark, bold. Put a cup in front of them and they reach for weak and milky. Rachel Cooke applies th ...  Show more

912. Your boss used to have answers. Now they've got questions. It feels destabilizing - but Rachel makes the case that this is the opening of a lifetime. When certainty disappears, the old rules about who has the answers go with it. Four bold moves for a moment that's wide open. ...  Show more

A leader, initially described to his coach as clueless, confronts a hard truth about himself. In the process, he gains a four-step tool to guide him through tough conversations. Core Concepts in this episode: To convey a tough message and maintain a positive relationship: 1. Star ...  Show more

Are you dreading a work discussion? Dan and Alison answer your questions with the help of Leslie John, a professor at Harvard Business School. They talk through what to do when you need to set your boss straight, meet with a direct report who wanted your new job, or hash things o ...  Show more

Need to have a difficult conversation, but you're not sure what to say or how to say it? In this episode, I’m revealing 3 simple steps to confidently approach your next hard conversation. I'll guide you through the exact words to use, how to maintain your composure, and make su ...  Show more

When conversations get uncomfortable, it’s easy to check out, deflect, or shut down. In this episode, Dora reflects on learning to “stay” in safe but difficult moments and offers mindful practices—like pausing, breathing, and naming what’s true — to stay grounded and connected. L ...  Show more