Question

Which of the following is a good approach to handling a difficult conversation?
sharing your own beliefs, then listening to the story of the other person, then creating a
shared story
telling the other person how things will proceed and then leaving no room for negotiation
listening to the story of the other person first, then sharing your own story, then creating a
shared story
exerting your authority as a leader by telling the other person what they have done wrong

Answer 1

Correct answer: "listening to the story of the other person first, then sharing your own story, then creating a shared story."

Why: beginning by genuinely listening builds understanding and psychological safety. Once you grasp their perspective, you can calmly share yours (facts, impact, feelings) and then collaborate on a shared understanding and next steps. The other options (declaring your views first, shutting down negotiation, or using authority/blame) tend to increase defensiveness and block productive resolution.

Quick tips: ask open questions, reflect what you hear, describe specific behaviors and impacts (not character), and invite joint problem‑solving.