Some conversations can be prickly

Here are some tips for managing challenging conversations:

- Sort fact from assumptions.

- Ask yourself "What am I telling myself about these facts?"

- Empathize. Ask yourself "What might the other person be feeling and how does that make sense?" "What am I responsible for in all this?"

- Manage your reactions - breathe deeply, count to ten. You may need to walk away for a few minutes to calm down before re-commencing the conversation.

- Run your assumptions/facts and statements by someone else before re-commencing the conversation to check for unintentional bias.

- Ask for help - a coach or mentor.

- Let me know how you go.