This Q&A is part of Observer’s Expert Insights series, where industry leaders, innovators and strategists distill years of experience into direct, practical takeaways and deliver clarity on the issues ...

Most of us don’t wake up eager for a difficult conversation. By their very nature, these conversations can feel uncomfortable, challenging, and awkward. You’ve likely faced one you dreaded, put off, ...

Nearly every day you have to have hard conversations at work. Maybe it’s pushing back on your manager’s unrealistic deadline. Perhaps it’s confronting a colleague who consistently interrupts you in ...

When leaders avoid difficult conversations, trust erodes, goals drift and partnerships lose the alignment and accountability they need to succeed. Sooner or later, every collaboration is going to need ...

These individuals can turn any difficult conversation into a productive one. Most unlucky people have found themselves thrust into difficult conversations at some point in their lives. Whether it's a ...

I was traveling in the days immediately following Oct. 7, 2023, and consequently had my TA teaching my doctoral research methods class that week. When I returned the following week, I started the ...

Many professionals struggle with difficult conversations in the workplace, particularly when emotions run high. Your first performance review, for example, was probably uncomfortable. Here’s why. What ...

How do you navigate difficult conversations? During these divisive and tumultuous times, it can be hard to communicate productively with others, especially with those whose perspectives differ ...

Today’s very best leaders stand out in great part because they have developed and honed the ability to skillfully handle difficult conversations. It’s this ability to talk with employees about ...