How to Have THAT Awkward Conversation Go Really Well

By Lois Tuffin

You know you have to confront the problem but you really don't want to do it.

Maybe your staff has to hear some bad news and you don't know how to prepare your presentation.

Or your organization is about to be embarrassed publicly and you want to reframe it when the media calls for comment.

You need a communications plan and you need it now.

The value of a different perspective

Having an outside person to bounce your ideas around is helpful. When you're so close to a situation, you simply cannot see clearly. You panic. You make emotional decisions.

It's vital to stay calm and find some upside. It may not be easy but it can be done.

For those of us who have watched reactions to stress over the years, you know the people who handle it well. Remember the Michael McCain facing the cameras and admitting his meat plant had an outbreak of listeriosis? Probably not, because he handled it so well.

However, there are countless scandals that did not end well because people tried to hide the truth or lashed out at the people who asked questions. You can probably list off several names from your own imagination.

You don't want to join that list.

Ignoring a problem never resolves it

If you have an issue with public relations, you can probably sort it out with a carefully worded statement or even an apology. Ignoring it won't make it go ahead and you'll likely end up lying awake at night as you worry about it.

Journalists are particularly adept at awkward conversations. In my 30 years in a newsroom, I called people to ask them about family members' deaths, political missteps, job losses, and many other emotional situations.

As a fundraiser, I have called perfect strangers to talk to them about donating money.

It doesn't get any more awkward than that.

If you're struggling, call me. I've been there. And you'll get through it. You just need the right words.

Photo by Caleb Woods / Unsplash.com