The political climate feels overwhelming, and I often hear strong opinions at work that don’t align with mine. I value Crucial Conversations and know the skills can help, but I also feel vulnerable and unsure whether discussion of politics belongs in the workplace. Is it okay to stay silent without damaging relationships or credibility? How do I find the right balance between authenticity and self-protection?
I need help addressing crosstalk in virtual meetings. During meetings I can see people trying to discreetly type and I can see facial expressions. I’m trying to ignore it and not let it bother me, but it’s distracting, and I fear its hurting morale. To be candid, I think it’s immature, unprofessional, and it feels like middle school behavior, but I don’t know how to address this or if I even should. What’s the best way to handle this?
My wife recently looked at cemetery plots for the two of us. She wants us to be buried alongside her family. When I told her I don’t want to be buried, she took that as a personal rejection. How can I discuss end-of-life planning with her without causing her to shut down?
My brother is sixty-one and lost his wife ten months ago. He has now bottomed out. I have no idea how to help him. I listen, say what I can. I think he would benefit from grief counseling. He seems to be unable to move forward. He has no children. Is there anything I can do?
I’m in a crisis with my husband. For years we have been at each other, and I’d like to change that. I only recently learned how to set a boundary—and I’m 55—but I’m struggling to hold a boundary with my husband around name-calling. I don’t want him to call me names, but stopping the argument or refusing to engage feels confrontational and counterproductive, even selfish. How can I set boundaries with him without making matters worse?
How can I effectively navigate Crucial Conversations while respecting Southern cultural norms that discourage direct confrontation?
How do you have a Crucial Conversation with a college parent who is frustrated with their student’s experience in the residence hall? Specifically, when facilities need to shut down utilities to complete maintenance while most students are off campus—but some, like athletes, return early and are left without water or electricity. How can we communicate effectively and empathetically in this situation?
I don’t respect my boss as a leader. I know he has his own struggles, but I just don’t like him as a leader. I am fully aware of and even ashamed of my bad behavior. I like my job and my position, but I can’t stand him. What do you recommend? I am the worst version of myself when I interact with him.
How do I talk about a promotion that has been promised for many years? Previously I was told the conditions of the country were why I couldn’t be, but I think I have been denied the promotion due to bias towards me.
When my coworker follows up on my projects, I usually answer fine. But sometimes I get the sense that he’s checking up on me and checking my work, and I lose patience and lash out at him. How can I deal with this situation?
