Communications and Kingdom

1.4 Discussion: Crucial Conversations - Ch. 1-5

Getting Started

According to the authors of our text, a Crucial Conversation is a discussion between two or more people where (1) stakes are high, (2) opinions vary, and (3) emotions run strong. I am sure that all of us can immediately think of several crucial conversations we have had in our lives. Maybe we can think of several we have had this year, or even this week. Wouldn’t it be great to be better at having these conversations? Whether it is a hard conversation you are planning to have or a hard conversation that blindsided you, wouldn’t you love to know how to handle yourself well? We will begin to explore how to add those skills to our leadership toolkit this week. 

Upon successful completion of this discussion, you will be able to:

· Identify crucial conversation skills.

Instructions

1. Review the rubric to make sure you understand the criteria for earning your grade. 

2. Read  Crucial Conversations, Chapters 1-5.

3. Navigate to the threaded discussion.

4. Respond to the following prompt - After identifying that you are in a Crucial Conversation, there are three things you need to do before opening your mouth: 1. Choose your topic, 2. Start with heart, and 3. Master your stories. Which of these three is most difficult for you? Why? When is a time that being better at this skill would have helped you have a better conversation?

5. Your initial post of 300-400 words responding to one or more question prompts