How to Handle Difficult Conversations During the Holidays

The holiday seasons are upon us and November brings about inevitable visits with family and friends to celebrate. While being around loved ones can be a joyful time of reconnection, other times it may give rise to conflict and difficult conversations. Here are a few soft skills tips for handling difficult conversations.

1. Prepare: Try to come with reasonable and balanced expectations for the conversation. Make sure you know the purpose for the conversation, how you played a role in it, and what are best possible outcomes.

2. Set the time and place: Having a hard conversation when one or more parties is not in the mood to do so it may prolong the conflict. Consider a quiet location for any heated conversation. There is rarely a perfect time to have a difficult conversation.

3. Approach with curiosity: Get out of the "blame frame" mindset. Each person involved has their side to the story. The goal is not to determine who is right or wrong but to approach with an open and collaborative mindset.

4. Brainstorm solutions: Be sure to listen and paraphrase what each person is saying to make sure everyone is understood. By doing this you can come up with potential solutions where everyone feels heard.

5. Debrief: Find time to speak with a trusted family member or friend, especially if the conversation did not go or end as hoped.