Q&A: Crucial Conversations
Al Switzler
When Others Refuse to Communicate
I have attended Crucial Conversations and try to practice the skills, but it’s difficult when the person I am trying to communicate with doesn’t “play along.” For example, when I try to ask how he or she is feeling or why he or she feels a certain way, I receive a response such as “I don’t know” or “I don’t want to talk about this.” This ends the conversation and I feel stifled and defeated. What do I do?
Signed,
Playing Along
Dear Playing Along,
It is very frustrating when you want to talk something out with someone and the only response you get is “I don’t know” or “I don’t want to talk about this” or, worse, an icy-cold stare laced with a fake smile. I hear you. I’ve been there.
So what should you do when the other person won't play along?
