Crucial Conversations

Get Unstuck / Start with Heart

100

We naturally have 2 tendencies when conversations turn crucial. In nature these tendencies are called fight or flight. Name the two terms used in the Crucial Conversations class.

What are silence and violence?

400

Imagine you’re in the middle of a crucial conversation with your high-school-age daughter. You thought the two of you were going to discuss colleges, careers, and the SAT tests, but then she announces that she’s dropped math and science, and that she’s not going to college. You respond by turning beet red, yelling at her, and calling her a knucklehead. You use this to "re-engage" your brain.

What is ask yourself a question?

500

These are three indicators that a conversation is crucial. (You must do the actions!)

What are high stakes, strong emotions, and opposing opinions?

Learn to Look

400

Imagine you’re in the middle of a crucial conversation with your high-school-age daughter. You thought the two of you were going to discuss colleges, careers, and the SAT tests, but then she announces that she’s dropped math and science, and that she’s not going to college. You respond by turning beet red, yelling at her, and calling her a knucklehead. You use this to "re-engage" your brain.

What is ask yourself a question?

Make it Safe

500

Your eighth-grade son is taking algebra for the first time, and is struggling. You sit down with him and say, “Son, if you don’t practice algebra at least half an hour every night, I don’t think you’ll ever really get it.” Your son looks stricken and hurt. He cries out, “Mom, you think I’m stupid too?!” Use a contrasting statement to make the conversation "safe."

What is, "Son, I don't think you're stupid, I do know that algebra is really difficult and just want to make sure you are successful!"