Approaching Sensitive Topics With Clients In Consulting

Navigating difficult conversations…we know the terrain well in supply chain and sustainability —complex stakeholder relationships, competing priorities, and tough tradeoffs that demand honest dialogue. The first quarter of 2025 has been challenging for some clients and colleagues. Behind every successful initiative lies countless challenging conversations.I wanted to share this list that captures what I've learned (often the hard way) about handling challenging discussions: 1. Lead with empathy - acknowledge feelings before diving into issues 2. Stay calm - pause and breathe when tensions rise. Cooler heads prevail. 3. Prepare but remain flexible - rigid scripts rarely survive contact with reality 4. Ask genuine questions - "help me understand your perspective" 5. Give authentic appreciation - recognize effort before suggesting changes 6. Own your emotions - acknowledge feelings without manipulation 7. Respect others' viewpoints - validation doesn't require agreement. You can disagree and still find a happy path. 8. Be specific - vague criticisms like "you always" rarely help 9. Collaborate on solutions - problem-dumping without brainstorming fixes nothing 10. Set clear boundaries - know what you can and cannot commit to 11. Listen actively - not just waiting for your turn to speak. Read this again… 12. Apologize sincerely when needed - take responsibility, not half-measures. Accountability helps build trust. 13. End with concrete next steps - clarity prevents misunderstandings. Playing back throughout tough conversations with key points and actions shows active listening and understanding. 14. Reflect afterward - what worked? what could improve? In my experience leading global teams, the conversations I've handled poorly weren't failures of strategy—they were failures of approach and understanding context. For example, a recent negotiation with a supplier facing severe capacity constraints could have deteriorated into finger-pointing. Instead, by focusing on understanding their challenges first (point #4) and collaborating on creative solutions (point #9), we found a path forward and workable compromise. Staying calm helped too ;) What's your experience? Which of these principles has been most valuable in your leadership journey? Or is there a 15th point you'd add to this list? ___________ 👍🏽 Like this? ♻️ Repost to help someone ✅ Follow me Sheri R. Hinish 🔔 Click my name → Hit the bell → See my posts. #SupplyChain #leadership #sustainability

Stop dreading tough talks. Master them with these 21 phrases instead: I once snapped when a colleague questioned my timeline. My defensive reaction created a week of tension. That day I realized emotional responses solve nothing. They only create new problems. We've all been there: Feeling defensive Reacting without thinking Watching a simple disagreement turn into a lasting conflict But I've learned the shift from reactive to constructive changes everything ✨ 21 ways smart people handle difficult conversations: 1) Lead with Curiosity ↳ "Tell me more about your perspective on this" ↳ Questions defuse tension faster than statements 2) Name the Energy ↳ "I notice there's tension here, let's address it" ↳ Acknowledgment creates safety 3) Find Common Ground ↳ "We both want what's best for the project" ↳ Alignment before action 4) Set Clear Expectations ↳ "Here's what I need, what do you need?" ↳ Clarity prevents future conflict 5) Pause the Escalation ↳ "Let's take a step back and break this down" ↳ Breathing room creates solutions 6) Mirror Their Language ↳ Use their exact key words when responding ↳ Matching builds instant connection 7) Acknowledge Impact ↳ "I see how this affects your priorities" ↳ Understanding beats defense 8) Own Your Part ↳ "Here's where I could have done better" ↳ Accountability creates trust 9) Focus Forward ↳ "How can we prevent this next time?" ↳ Solutions beat blame 10) Check Understanding ↳ "Here's what I'm hearing - am I getting it right?" ↳ Clarity prevents escalation 11) Create Space ↳ "Let's revisit this when we're both fresh" ↳ Time transforms tension 12) Stay on Topic ↳ "Let's focus on solving this specific issue" ↳ Boundaries keep talks productive 13) Express Confidence ↳ "I know we can figure this out together" ↳ Belief shifts energy 14) Share Context ↳ "Here's what led to my decision" ↳ Understanding reduces resistance 15) Invite Solutions ↳ "What ideas do you have for this?" ↳ Collaboration beats control 16) Set Timelines ↳ "When should we check in on this?" ↳ Structure creates safety 17) Validate Concerns ↳ "That's a legitimate worry - let's address it" ↳ Recognition reduces defense 18) Stay Factual ↳ "Here's what the data shows us" ↳ Evidence beats emotion 19) Close with Action ↳ "Let's clarify next steps together" ↳ Progress prevents repeat issues 20) Follow Through ↳ "As we discussed, here's what I've done" ↳ Action builds credibility 21) Document Growth ↳ "Here's how we'll work differently now" ↳ Learning beats repeating Difficult conversations aren't obstacles to success. They're the moments where true connection happens ✨ Which strategy will you try in your next challenging conversation? -- ♻️ Repost to help your network transform difficult conversations into opportunities 🔔 Follow Dr. Carolyn Frost for more practical tools to succeed with confidence

The conversation framework that transformed our client relationships: (Even when delivering difficult news) Difficult conversations, delivered skillfully, build more trust than years of smooth sailing. The key is having a system. My three-part framework that transforms challenging conversations... 1. Preparation creates confidence Never enter difficult conversations blind. Gather complete information beyond the bad news. Include context, alternatives, and solutions. Build explanation frameworks before you need them. When clients ask hard questions, have real answers ready. 2. Structure enhances clarity How you deliver matters as much as what you deliver. Start with context and purpose - why this conversation matters now. Present information directly. No corporate speak, no hedging. Acknowledge the impact and emotions involved. Then pivot to next steps and support. Clarity beats comfort every time. 3. Follow-through builds trust Document outcomes immediately. Deliver on every commitment made during the conversation. Check in regularly... they'll tell you if it's too much. Provide ongoing support without being asked. The conversation isn't over when the call ends. Clients don't remember the easy conversations. They remember how you handled the hard ones. - Want boardroom intelligence with zero noise? Every week we share curated insights that cut through the chaos and help you make the best policy decisions: Join here: https://lnkd.in/garzxSxG LION Specialty. The Leader in Institutional Insurance. 🦁

Don’t avoid the hard conversation. Use these 8 steps instead: Like many people, I used to avoid hard conversations until it was too late. When the stakes and emotions are high, and opinions differ, silence breaks trust. Tension builds. Trust erodes. Opportunities are lost. I learned this time and again. What if you could handle these moments with clarity and kindness? Use these 8 steps to navigate difficult conversations: 1. Ask to Understand: - Help me understand your perspective. - Can you walk me through your thinking? 2. State Only the Facts: - Here’s what I’ve observed [..]. - What’s your take on this situation? 3. Focus on Shared Goals - We both want [shared goal]. Let’s figure this out together. - How can we ensure the best outcome for everyone? 4. Stay Calm Under Pressure - I can see this is important to you. Let’s talk it through. - I’m committed to finding a solution with you. 5. Acknowledge Their Perspective - I hear what you’re saying. - It sounds like [paraphrase their perspective]. Is that right? 6. Address Misunderstandings - Can we clarify what you meant by [..]? - What do you think I might not be seeing? 7. Find a Path Forward - What’s the best way for us to move forward? - Here’s what I propose. What are your thoughts? 8. Recap & Align - We've agreed on [..]. Anything else to consider? - Let's check back in [specific timeframe]. Difficult conversations aren’t the problem. It’s how we show up for them that makes the difference. With the right approach, you can turn high-stakes moments into shared understanding. ➕ Follow me, Melody Olson, for Leadership, Tech & Career Insights. ♻️ Repost to help your network navigate difficult conversations with trust.