TES 040 - How to Prepare for a Difficult Conversation

In this episode, #1 Bestselling Author and Highly Acclaimed business & Entrepreneur Expert, Mel Abraham talks about communication. Your ability to communicate serves you across all aspects of your life. This first part of a two part series will show you how you can prepare for a difficult conversation.3 Stages of Conversation PlannerThe three stages are: before, during and after a conversation. Each stage has three elements to it.BeforeClarity: First, have clarity about the issues and challenges. Whoever it may be that you are communicating to, you need to become clear on the real issues and remove any judgment or bias before you know the facts.Objective: You need a direction or a defined outcome of a conversation. Have an objective so you are not swayed away from your ultimate goal.Environment: Choose the best environment to have a dialogue that is meaningful and you can take it towards an objective where everyone wins.DuringOpenness: The spirit of openness is required in a conversation. For others to be open, we have to be open. Therefore, have that intent to create transparency while communicating.Safe: The participants need to actually feel safe—emotionally, spiritually and energetically. You have to ensure safety to have a frank conversation.Empathy: Step in their shoes, enter their world and maintain a position where you see what they see. When you understand where they are coming from, you can really shift the dynamics and get the desired results.AfterFollow up: Come up with the next steps to further the discussions. You need to be definitive on that follow up to make sure it happens.Consistency: If you are seen treating people inconsistently, it will create an environment of distrust. Be consistent with everyone and people will feel safe and open up to you.Relationship: This concept is all about furthering and nurturing a relationship that you are trying to create with others so they can move on to the next planned phase.__________________________ABOUT MEL ABRAHAMMel is the founder of Business Breakthrough Academy and Thoughtpreneur Academy where he helps entrepreneurs bring their businesses to the world and build the lifestyle that they want. Mel is one the most sought after entrepreneurial mentor and strategic thinkers of our time. Unlike many other so called “business coaches”, Mel has lived everything he teaches and continues to do so. Mel has built, bought and sold numerous multimillion-dollar businesses for himself as well as his clients. As the author of The Entrepreneur’s Solution: The Modern Millionaire’s Path to More Profit, Fans & Freedom Entrepreneur, Mel’s strategies have helped build thousands of businesses and have generated hundreds of millions of dollars for his clients, ranging from large corporations to startups and small family-owned businesses.Mel is a true believer in