Whether you're asking for a divorce, approaching your elderly parents about assisted living, dealing with adult siblings unhappy about the administration of your parents' estate, impatient to take your relationship with your sweetheart to the next level, or navigating any emotionally charged issue where there is a difference in perspective, the hardest thing about initiating a difficult conversation is that opening the issue makes you "the HOST." And being host comes with an etiquette. First, a host extends an invitation that not only includes the invited person in the anticipated conversation, but also includes the other person’s perspective. Second, a host makes the anticipated conversation a safe place. Finally, third, a host listens first and shares later. Of course, it’s good for guests to practice these good manners too, which is why it is important for the host to set a good example for the difficult conversation to be successful. What are ways you model good etiquette in difficult conversations? Please share in the comments below, and follow us for more reels about the etiquette of a good invitation, making your conversations feel safe, and the skills involved in listening and sharing.
Also, sometimes, families need the support of a neutral venue for difficult conversations, where no one has to play the host and a mediator is there to help everyone show up in the best possible way practicing their best etiquette. That’s what we’re here for. If you need help, give us a call.
Attorney-Mediator Hank Edson is responsible for the information provided in this video and caption, which is for educational purposes only under California law and does not create an attorney-client relationship or mediator-client relationship and does not constitute legal advice.
