Crucial Skills

Plus, join us in Boston for an in-person course.

MAY 10, 2023 • VOL. 21 ISSUE 19

Hi John,

We’ve all been there: You skillfully handle a Crucial Conversation, and then… nothing changes. What can you do? Learn more in today’s Q&A.

And if you’d like to join us in person for Crucial Conversations^® for Mastering Dialogue, we’ll be offering the course in Boston soon. Details below.

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue

Why Your Crucial Conversations Aren’t Working

by Justin Hale

What can you do if you’ve had successful Crucial Conversations with the same person several times but the behavior persists? We discuss the issues, the conversation goes well, but they never change. How should I handle the next Crucial Conversation, which may be around the corner?

Signed,
Merry-Go-Round

You’re suffering from what I like to call Crucial Conversations “Groundhog Day.” If this is an unfamiliar reference, I encourage you to watch the 1993 classic movie starring Bill Murray.

The main character, Phil, lives out the same day hundreds of times until he handles the day in the right way. Having to repeat your Crucial Conversations can be torturous, and yet the lesson is the same. If you’re having the same conversation repeatedly, the problem is not them—it’s you. You’re having the wrong conversation.

Jul 18–19

Crucial Conversations^® for Mastering Dialogue

Join us live in Boston, MA, and learn how to:

Resolve conflict.
Speak your mind truthfully and tactfully.
Reach alignment when stakes are high and opinions vary.
Navigate the most important interactions at home and work.

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.

—John Quincy Adams

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