Often, what makes conversations so difficult are the many assumptions we hold -- that we share the same purpose, that we've explored all the possibilities, that we've been clear about what we want, that emotions don't matter, and so forth.

To move from breakdowns to effectiveness with others, it's helpful to understand the structural differences between three very different conversations: conversations for relationship, conversations for possibilities, and conversations for action.  In the Conversation for Action, there is a unique grammar of action that involves five acts of speech.

We offer half-day and full-day workshops on Navigating Difficult Conversations With Dignity and Giving Feedback in the Workplace.  Workshops include core distinctions (see figure below), practices, video clips, and live coaching.