Here are some tips to help you navigate difficult conversations in a group setting. We recommend preparing both participants and facilitators in advance for a challenging discussion. As difficult conversations can sometimes arise unexpectedly, we’re also sharing key strategies to help you navigate them.
Prepare Participants
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Set communication guidelines and ‘ground rules’ around how the group will engage with each other and have participants own this process by coming up with ideas.
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Research icebreakers or group-bonding activities that might suit the group's needs prior to the discussions.
Prepare Facilitators
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Make sure facilitators have some knowledge of the topic and are aware of potential dynamics and discussion angles that may arise during the exchange.
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Prepare facilitators to expect strong emotions in difficult conversations and bring the group to a more constructive space.
Strategies to Manage Difficult Conversations
When group members display strong emotions it can be tempting to turn the conversation away from the contested issue and move on to less difficult topics – even though you know there can be great learning amidst all the heat.
Hold on from acting on this temptation and focus on acknowledging the emotions. Here are some strategies to drive the conversation forward from a place of conflict to mutual understanding and learning.
Learn More
Explore our Facilitation Training page to strengthen your skills in managing difficult conversations and applying facilitation tools and strategies. If you’d like to set up a workshop for your team on managing conflict and navigating difficult discussions, contact us.