Avoiding conflict is one of the major barriers to success in business, which often means avoiding difficult conversations. A difficult conversation is anything we find hard to talk about. Let's see what stops us from having that difficult conversation we should have.

The key reasons for shying away from difficult conversations include:

• You don't want to hurt feelings
• You don't know how to handle the situation
• You are afraid of the other person's reaction

You fear the consequences of engaging in a difficult conversation            

Dealing with difficult conversations: Typical Responses

What is the typical responses people exhibit due to difficult and stressful conversations? Let's take a look.

Resistance: In this scenario, you have trouble separating a person's idea of what you think of his or her behavior.

Retaliation and Argument: This scenario typically involves finger-pointing, denial, and arguments around facts, options, and recommendations.

Oversimplify the problem:In this situation, you try to roll the problem up into a less-complex over searching problem.

How to deal with conversational challenges?

You may have encountered situations where the most straightforward conversation turned difficult quickly. What are the major challenges that such difficult and stressful conversations pose? Click each box to learn more about the challenges you may face while dealing with difficult conversations.

1. Different frame of mind:
One of the key challenges is when the other person is not in the same frame of mind as yours. For example, they could be stressed due to other factors and overreact when the conversation is introduced.

2. Refusal to engage:
This can be very frustrating and equally difficult for you to manage. You cannot make a connection with the other person as they either reply with simple answers or pay more attention to external factors such as being engrossed in texting, busy with their laptops, or appear distracted in general.

3. Destructive sprawling:
This happens when the other person diverts the conversation from its original direction by claiming to be right, making accusations, or assigning blame. These directions are all equally damaging for conversations.

4. Emotional:
Your emotions may be aroused if you feel you are being criticized or you think the other person is wrong. An emotional response can lead to defensiveness.