By Alexandra Blackwell, Jeselskis Brinkerhoff and Joseph LLC
There are always going to be uncomfortable conversations that must be had with clients, co-workers, family and friends. As lawyers, we are often brought in to help others with their conflict and difficult situations. However, we are never really taught how to manage a difficult and challenging conversation. It is not uncommon to feel anxious, unsure, frustrated, dread, or angry before, during and after these types of conversations. During difficult conversations, people often assume they already know all they need to know to understand and explain the situation, they hide their feelings or explode with feelings in a regretful manner, and they ignore the role they are playing in the situation at issue and conversation.
A few years ago, I was fortunate enough to attend a training run by Catherine Matthews. Going into the training I was unsure as to what skills I would walk away with. "How could one training truly cover all types of difficult conversations?" I was surprised to learn, with a few basic skills and set steps, most difficult conversations can be gracefully managed in a way that reduces anxiety and increases the productiveness of the conversation.
I think anyone and everyone can benefit from this type of hands on/practical training. It makes us better attorneys, and it is useful for our personal lives as well. On June 7 at 4 p.m., the IndyBar Women in the Law Division will be hosting Catherine for a similar training, and you can sign up to attend here. This is not your standard program! Expect lots of interaction, simulations and real-life examples from attendees. I hope to see you there! If you have any questions about the program, please don’t hesitate to contact me at ablackwell@jbjlegal.com.
If you would like to submit content or write an article for the Women and the Law Division, please email Kara Sikorski at ksikorski@indybar.org.
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