Difficult Conversations Guide: From Avoidance to Constructive Confrontation

Before: set one clear goal.

Ask yourself: what outcome do I want? What facts (not interpretations) support it? Write down two or three points at most.

During: start with facts, then impact, then invitation.

A proven formula: (I noticed...) + (this affected...) + (what if...?). Avoid generalizations like (you always).

After: document what was agreed.

A short message summarizing agreements and a follow-up date turns a tense moment into an action plan.