Are you currently giving that pink elephant in the room the silent treatment?

Something is clearly not working but you’re NOT going to the source to resolve it or you’re choosing to brush it under the rug…

If that sounds like you, know you’re not alone.

Many leaders find it difficult to have tough conversations, even when they know they need to be had.

It’s been said … leadership is only tough when you don’t have the tough conversations.

Avoiding challenging conversations makes things worse.

It allows problems to fester and grow, and it can create a toxic environment where people are afraid to speak up.

That’s why it’s so important to learn how to have pink elephant conversations.

These are the conversations that everyone knows need to happen, but no one wants to have. They’re about the tough stuff: performance issues, conflict, and other uncomfortable topics.

But here’s the good news: pink elephant conversations don’t have to be scary.

In fact, they can be an opportunity to build trust, improve communication, and solve problems.

Another one of our recommended reads, Crucial Conversations, sums it up nicely:

“Crucial conversations are those that matter most: conversations that could change our lives or the lives of others.”

Crucial Conversations is an insightful guide to handling these dialogues with grace and effectiveness. The book provides a framework for having difficult conversations in a way that is respectful, productive, and positive.

So how do you have a successful pink elephant conversation? Here are a few tips:

• Be direct and honest. Don’t beat around the bush. Get to the point and be clear about what you need to talk about.
• Be respectful. Even if you’re upset, it’s important to be respectful of the other person. Remember, they’re probably feeling just as uncomfortable as you are.
• Be open to feedback. Be willing to listen to the other person’s perspective and be open to changing your mind.
• Be willing to adjust. In most cases, there’s no one right answer. Be willing to find a solution that works for everyone involved.

When we follow these tips, we can be well on your way to having successful pink elephant conversations. And who knows, you might even find that they’re not all that scary after all.

Simon Sinek says,

“The courage to have difficult conversations is what separates the good from the great.”

If you’re ready to keep up-leveling as a business leader, I encourage you to join our Entrepreneurs that Scale™ Facebook Community>>>>>>

We’re a group of entrepreneurs who are committed to helping each other learn and grow our businesses.

And we’re always happy to offer support and advice on how to have difficult conversations.

I hope to see you there!