Feedback: Soft like velvet and packs a punch!

"Soft like velvet and packs a punch". Why is it sometimes so hard to talk to people? Communication, difficult conversations and conflict are the themes of many of the calls I get from the clients I work with. Why is it so hard to have frank conversations? Conversations are considered "Difficult" when:

Emotions are involved
Viewpoints are different
Outcomes matter

So how can we change the conversation? The Velvet Hammer: "soft like velvet and packs a punch" is a fantastic approach:

Intro: Got a minute? I need your help, (or I need to share something, or a similar entrance to the topic)
"I noticed that...." The I statement: State clearly what you are noticing or concerned about, or the problem behavior.

Then ask a question to engage them in problem solving and truly listen.

Want to learn more? Check out my course: Master Difficult Conversations.


shop.justiceleadership.com/b/difficult