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5 Questions to ask someone before initiating a crucial conversation

Many of us have learned the hard way that oftentimes, the manner in which you communicate with someone has a far greater impact than the actual information you share with them.

Feedback and initiatives only land with people when they're in a position where they're ready and willing to receive these ideas.

Here are 5 questions to as someone to understand their preferred communication style and increase your chances of having a constructive conversation:

1) How do you prefer the tone of communication to be tailored when discussing sensitive topics or performance feedback?

Answers to this question may include varioust tones (direct, formal, gentle, etc). Your aim is to understand how to match the tone they prefer to your agenda for the conversation.

2) What environment do you find most conducive to receiving feedback or engaging in serious discussions?

It is paramount to hold these crucial conversations in a space where the other party feels comfortable and where both of you can be fully present and engaged.

3) When is the best time/day for you to receive information that requires deep thought or decision-making?

Timing has a significant effect on how information is processed, and this question aims to give some control to the other party so they feel prepared to receive your feedback.

4) How do you prefer information and feedback to be presented to you?

You might find that some people want examples, others prefer illustrations, and some may want detailed documentation. This helps you prepare materials that will increase their likelihood of understanding and accepting the ideas you present.

5) What is/are the key piece(s) of information that you need in order to make an info rmed decision or feel confident to implement change?

This is the most important question to ask, as it gets to the root of the other person’s values and motivations. This is what ultimately drives action, which is the goal for any feedback conversation.

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Things I found helpful this week:

• This Harvard Business Review article that outlines how to manage an underperforming family member in a family-owned business. (I'll be sharing more content on family businesses soon - check out my LinkedIn video for my personal story)
• This LinkedIn video from Steven Bartlett where he provides a great overview of what keeps teams happy.
• This quote: "The two words 'information' and 'communication' are often used interchangeably, but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is getting through." - Sydney J. Harris

I hope you found something helpful or insightful here - please reply back and let me know what topics you’d like me to cover in future issues. See you next Thursday!

-Anais

P.S. If you enjoyed reading this, please send it to someone who might find it helpful as well. If you were forwarded this email, please consider subscribing to receive future issues and follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram for more business and leadership content.

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