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?

I’m a university instructor and I have a student who’s experiencing harassment from her roommate. Housing services won’t provide a room change despite available vacancies. The stress is affecting her performance in school. What can I do to help her?

Last year I developed a severe drinking problem that negatively affected both my kids, especially my nine-year-old son. He stayed with his dad while I was in rehab. I’m clean and sober now, but he still won’t stay with me, and I’m crushed by this. How can I rebuild trust with him?

I’m in a personal situation where the other person has completely shut me out—getting back to safety is not happening. The other person will not respond—not even to emails. What is an appropriate way to make a last attempt? I’m thinking of sending one last message, something like, “If you would like to talk, please contact me. I would like to hear from you.” Then should I just wait it out? What can I do?

My wife has a good job and is an overachiever. Prior to the Covid pandemic, I had a great job that paid well, and at the time I made more than her. Then I lost my job and struggled for about a year before landing a job that pays less. My wife, on the other hand, was promoted and given a raise during this time, so now she makes more than I do. She SAYS it makes no difference, but I’ve noticed changes in our relationship and how she treats me. Should I bring this up to her? How do I confront her behavior and what appears to be a lack of respect?

Dear Crucial Skills, I have a new supervisor (recently promoted) and we have a difficult history. Previously she trained me, but her training was inadequate, she overloaded me with work, she demanded I complete assignments faster and faster, and she said I was making excuses if I couldn’t. Tomorrow, we have our first one-on-one and …