Courageous Conversations

Why listen to those who are different?

Here is my video commentary (04:14) on a recent article from the Financial Times, "Silencing the dissenters can end your career." Download a PDF of the article.

View commentary in Quicktime.

What's the point of a Courageous Conversation? To learn to listen to people who are different than ourselves. In the words of the article's author, Michael Skapinker, "dissent is good for you." To find our way through the painful process of setting aside our own preconceived notions to find an answer to a problem that might actually be better than our own.

And review the Diversity Conversation post: "Do me a favor...stop denying the Holocaust" to hear the struggle for two colleagues to listen to each other - despite diametrically-opposed view points.

Talk to you soon, Tim.

"Do me a favor?...Stop denying the Holocaust"

Adrian’s coworker, Mahmoud, continually expresses his views about the Holocaust. He insists, despite it being one of the most documented atrocities in history, that the size, scale and truth of the period is in question.

Adrian decides he needs to say something to Mahmoud about this because it is impacting his ability to work effectively with him. (17:45)

Click here to download as an MP3

Lessons Learned:

• As soon as possible - Don't let the anger, frustration, disbelief build up to impede the ability to engage in the conversation effectively.

• Decide on the agenda - Is it about the Holocaust itself, or Mahmoud's behavior? Decide before the conversation begins.

• Avoid inflammatory language - It just doesn't help resolve the problem.

• Be willing to leave the conversation - for now - Take a break when it gets too heated.

Download Lessons Learned