Winners Do THIS When It Gets Tough
Hey, it’s your boy Mark Evans DM, and today we’re diving into something most people don’t want to talk about—literally. I’m talking about those hard conversations. 😬 You know, the ones that make you sweat a little, make your stomach do a flip. We all have them, and most of us try to dodge them like a bad haircut. But here’s the thing… avoiding those talks isn’t helping you grow. It’s keeping you stuck.
Why Hard Conversations Matter
Let’s be real—hard conversations are necessary. They’re the stuff that builds real trust, respect, and solutions. Whether it’s a tough talk with a vendor who’s not delivering, an investor who’s getting nervous, or even a team member who’s not pulling their weight—these conversations are where the magic happens.
Think about it. If you’re not honest, if you’re not direct, then how can anyone trust you? If you’re just going with the flow and letting things slide, you’re setting yourself up for bigger problems down the road.
Get Real, Get Honest
The first rule of a hard conversation? Be real. Don’t sugarcoat it, and don’t dance around the issue. Be direct and honest. But here’s the trick—you don’t have to be a jerk about it. There’s a way to be firm but fair.
People appreciate honesty. If you approach the conversation with the goal of finding a solution—not just venting your frustrations—you’ll come out stronger on the other side. So, get clear on what needs to be said and say it. Don’t be Debbie Downer, but don’t beat around the bush either.
Timing Is Everything
Don’t wait until things blow up to have that conversation. The longer you wait, the bigger the issue becomes. Address it early, while it’s still manageable. Waiting too long only makes the problem fester, and nobody wants that.
Pick a good time when both you and the other person can focus. No distractions, no rush. Just a real talk to get things sorted out.
Listen More Than You Talk
When you do have that hard conversation, here’s a little secret: Listen more than you talk. Yeah, I know, sounds crazy coming from me, right? But trust me on this. People want to feel heard. Let them speak, hear them out, and then respond.
You’ll be amazed at what you learn when you actually listen. And sometimes, just letting the other person feel heard solves half the problem.
Make It About Solutions
Look, nobody likes confrontation for the sake of confrontation. When you go into a hard conversation, make it about finding solutions. Don’t just point fingers or complain. Talk about what needs to change and how you both can work together to make it happen.
Focus on the future, not the past. What’s done is done. Now it’s about moving forward. Be the person who brings clarity and direction, not more drama.
The Power of Picking Up the Phone
Here’s a practical tip: Pick up the phone. Don’t hide behind an email or a text message. Those can be misinterpreted. Tone gets lost in translation. Pick up the phone or, even better, meet face-to-face if you can.
You’ll build trust much faster, and you’ll get to the bottom of the issue quicker. It’s a small move that makes a big difference.
How to Start the Conversation
Not sure how to start? Keep it simple. Something like, “Hey, I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind. Can we find a solution together?” Boom, you’ve set the stage for an honest discussion.
Make it clear that you’re there to find a way forward, not to blame or shame. This approach makes people more open to listening and working with you.
Final Thoughts
Look, Dealmaker, hard conversations are like ripping off a Band-Aid. They’re uncomfortable, but once they’re done, you feel better, and things get better. Don’t avoid them. Embrace them. They’re opportunities to build stronger relationships, find better solutions, and become a better leader.
So, next time you feel that twist in your gut, lean in and face it head-on. You’ve got this. The sooner you start having these conversations, the sooner you’ll start growing.
- Mark Evans DM