A difficult conversation is a dialogue addressing sensitive, controversial, or emotionally charged topics, often with the potential for conflict, discomfort, or disagreement. These types of conversations often require navigating complex social, emotional, and cognitive factors and a high level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and active listening skills in order to foster productive communication and avoid misunderstandings, escalation, or relationship damage.
Difficult conversations are characterized by the presence of competing goals, values, or interests between the parties involved, as well as the potential for triggering deep-seated emotions, beliefs, or biases. They may also require addressing power dynamics, historical context, or cultural differences in order to facilitate effective communication and avoid perpetuating harmful patterns of interaction.
These types of conversations can arise in a variety of contexts, including personal relationships, professional settings, or social interactions, and may involve topics such as finances, politics, religion, or personal values. Difficult conversations often require careful consideration, empathy, and effective communication skills in order to navigate the emotional complexity of the discussion.
It is common for people to procrastinate, backpedal, and dodge to avoid having difficult conversations.
^Bradley, Graham L.; Campbell, Amanda C. (October 2016). "Managing Difficult Workplace Conversations: Goals, Strategies, and Outcomes". International Journal of Business Communication. 53 (4): 443–464. doi:10.1177/2329488414525468.
Gordon, Jon; Kelly, Amy (2024). Difficult conversations don't have to be difficult: a simple, smart way to make your relationships and team better. Hoboken, New Jersey: Wiley. ISBN978-1394187171.
