Comments on: Crucial Conversations via Email

By: Mary

Mary — Sat, 16 Sep 2017 10:32:02 +0000

In reply to Steve Willis. What a great advantage which would benefit for both parties /teams at the meeting.... more clarity out there from the start.

By: Steve Willis

Steve Willis — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:55:14 +0000

In reply to T Katie Simpson. In the vein, I find that many foreign nationals read much better than they speak so what you suggest allows for greater comprehension of your full meaning, avoiding a lot of unnecessary misunderstandings. And language has to be more simple.

By: Steve Willis

Steve Willis — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:51:12 +0000

In reply to Mary. I like that idea of having time to mull things over and giving others the same opportunity.

By: T Katie Simpson

T Katie Simpson — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:20:21 +0000

I also use the email introduction to some crucial conversations when i work with people who are not native English speakers. I work in for a global company and interact with many people around the world, with varying degrees of comfort communicating in English (often our only common language). This allows them to translate words and gather the full context before the actual conversation. This way, they feel like they are equal participants and not at as much of a language disadvantage. As you mentioned, the intro email needs to be safe and tentative (as well as culturally sensitive and appropriate).

By: M Weeks

M Weeks — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 16:16:48 +0000

Awesome advice, thank you!

By: Mary

Mary — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 08:23:24 +0000

I totally agree with providing content ahead of time. My team had a bad experience with their previous boss and trust was a huge issue. I soon realised if I was transparent and provided information ahead of time it took away their fears of being ambushed at meetings. Many discussions were about topics I had been mulling over for a while, it would be unfair for the team to hear it for the first time at the meeting and not have had time to contemplate all it involved. I have also learned to finish meetings with “this is the first time we have discussed this, you might have some other thoughts surface in the next two days. Feel free to come to me and we can discuss further.” I feel fortunate the team now provides me with details ahead of time as well. The mood of the team is respectful and professional.