🔆 The Fifth and Final Principle of Difficult Conversations


A quote from the depths of Nick Cave...

“Unlike cynicism, hopefulness is hard-earned, makes demands upon us, and can often feel like the most indefensible and lonely place on Earth.
Hopefulness is not a neutral position either. It is adversarial. It is the warrior emotion that can lay waste to cynicism.
Each redemptive or loving act, as small as you like... keeps the devil down in the hole. It says the world and its inhabitants have value and are worth defending. It says the world is worth believing in. In time, we come to find that it is so.”

How does this relate to difficult conversations?

There is always room for possibility and hope in every difficult conversation. To work towards a solution that incorporates two opposing perspectives takes commitment and creativity from both sides. It is a journey from...

'Or' (me) to 'And' (us).

This is about deliberately choosing a collaborative approach, even when in conflict. When different perspectives are welcomed this increases the chances of repairing, deepening and enhancing connection. On a practical level, it can lead to work being unique, well resolved and impactful.

That's a hopeful pursuit.

You've got this.

Love,

PS. Next week we're switching focus to self-care. Remember that? Less grind, more kind. 💚

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This Human by Melis Senova

Enabling senior design professionals to be more influential within their organisations. ✨ Author of this human and design character, published by BIS Publishers.📚

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