The most important step of every great conversation is to enter it with a goal in mind.
Ask yourself before the conversation what is the best possible outcome for yourself and the other party, and create a plan to get closer to that outcome.
Here are some healthy and unhealthy conversation goals:
Healthy conversation goals:
- Finding the truth
- Building and strengthening relationships
- Reaching a mutual understanding
- Reaching a commitment
- Negotiating, or reaching a consensus or agreement
- Transmitting information and letting others know
- Producing results and finding solutions
- Aligning on roles, duties, and expectations
- Learning from each other
- Intervening and influencing
Unhealthy conversation goals:
- Being right or winning
- Looking good or saving face
- Coercing or intimidating
- Punishing or blaming
- Avoiding conflict and keeping the peace